International pharmacists group gets 2020 vision

Abstract

Representatives of 119 national pharmacist and pharmaceutical scientist associations recently approved a plan to ensure that the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has a voice wherever and whenever decision-makers discuss medicines on a global level. The plan, part of what FIP calls “2020 Vision,” was adopted unanimously by the organization’s policymaking group during this year’s World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, which took place August 31 through September 4 in Basel, Switzerland. FIP also made progress in updating its guidelines for good pharmaceutical practice, most recently revised in 1997, said ASHP Executive Vice President Henri R. Manasse Jr., who is cochair of the group working on this project. Manasse has served as FIP’s professional secretary since 2005. FIP’s plan states that by the year 2020, “Wherever and whenever decision makers discuss any aspects of medicines on a global level, FIP is at the table.” With that vision statement in mind, FIP developed the following mission statement: “[i]mprove global health by advancing pharmacy practice and science to enable better discovery, development, access to and safe use of appropriate, cost-effective, quality medicines worldwide.” The statement, FIP said, also acknowledges the patient-focused practice of pharmacy in developed countries.