World Pharmacists Day: UK pharmacists join the celebration of modern pharmacy to create healthier futures

27 pharmacists from across the globe and the AmerisourceBergen family, a pharmaceutical distributor, have contributed to a digital book of celebration, which aims to highlight the changing role of pharmacists and how they can create healthier futures.

Pharmacists are no longer just ‘chemists’ – some pharmacists are now able to diagnose, treat and prescribe for patients who traditionally may have needed to see a doctor or GP, and the government now plans to give more of a role to community pharmacy to alleviate the pressure on GPs. Others are guardians of their local community – keeping an eye on vulnerable patients who may not have regular contact with other healthcare professionals.

Raj Rohilla of Midhurst Pharmacy (West Sussex)/Goys Pharmacy (Battersea)/ Hamlins Pharmacy (Shepherds Bush) noted: “We need doors to open and mindsets to change so that all healthcare professionals can work collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of people.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic they stepped up to support stretched healthcare systems, with many taking a leading role in the world-wide response. This has evolved further with more and more pharmacists offering vaccination services for COVID-19, as well as flu, chicken pox and ‘holiday’ vaccinations.

This changing role of pharmacists is helping the health and care workforce to unite to create healthier futures for their local communities.