International pharmacy group to pursue better medication access in developing countries

Abstract

Representatives of more than 100 national pharmacist or pharmaceutical scientist associations agreed in September on an international approach to improving access to medicines in developing countries. The representatives, with one notable exception, also approved a statement addressing the role of pharmacists in fighting “doping in sport.” Known collectively as the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Council, the associations’ representatives on September 8 agreed that pharmacy groups have a vital role to play in persuading the governments of developing countries to improve their citizens’ ability to obtain effective medications. The United Nations has classified 137 countries and areas, including the major generic-drug producers China and India, as “developing countries” for reasons that include economics. ASHP Executive Vice President Henri R. Manasse Jr., who attended the Council’s meeting in Cairo, Egypt, along with President Jill E. Martin and past president Debra S. Devereaux, said that the FIP policy statement on medication access relates to a professional policy recently approved by the ASHP House of Delegates.