Commonwealth Pharmacy Day 2007

16 June 2007

MEDICINES FOR CHILDREN & RATIONAL DRUG USE

The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association in celebrating Commonwealth Pharmacy Day annually on June 16 highlights the important role of pharmacists as the healthcare team’s specialist on medicines and the outreach of the profession to the general public.

The 60th World Health Assembly (WHA) discussed several important health issues, three of which have a direct bearing on medicines and by extension the profession and practice of pharmacy - Rational Use of Medicines, Better medicines for Children, and Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property.

In exercising stewardship for the rational use of medicines, pharmacists must be involved in the development of strategies that will allow their countries to fulfil the obligations of these WHA resolutions.

The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association in providing international leadership for its members and support of efforts is launching several initiatives in 2007 which are intended to assist pharmacists to provide better care to their patients.

A Medicines for Children Tool Kit is designed to remind pharmacists of the special requirements of children, and a Pilot Study will provide information on the level of Improved Adherence in Hypertensive Patients through Pharmacist Intervention.

CPA is also pleased to confirm the availability of the revised Drug Supply Management distance learning course.

Pharmacists are therefore being called upon to be good stewards of medicines by paying special attention to children and contributing to improved patient adherence with the prescriber’s directions.

A successful Commonwealth Pharmacy Day to all.

E. Grace Allen Young. DPharm, MRPharmS, CPPP
President