World Pharmacists Day on SepteF.A.Q.s 25 is a celebration of every pharmacist, pharmaceutical scientist, and another part of this field. Four million people are engaged in this profession around the globe. World Pharmacists Day is thus not only a welcome event but also a crucial holiday to honour the role these guys play in improving global health outcomes. The day is marked by events and activities sponsored by various governmental and non-governmental organizations. Globally, they all have one common goal — to increase awareness about pharmacists and their roles.
History of World Pharmacists Day
The ancient art of pharmacy probably began when someone somewhere first thought of applying the juice from leaves to heal a wound. There have also been Greek legends written centuries ago that spoke of gods being apothecaries or pharmacists. For example, the Greek god of healing, Asclepius, delegated the compounding of his remedies to Hygeia, his apothecary or pharmacist.
For the longest time, healing and pharmacy went hand-in-hand and were often thought of as the same practice. However, the line between pharmacy and medicine began to be defined by the eighth century and was firmly established by the time the 17th century rolled along. Now, physicians could no longer prepare medications for their patients themselves. The field transformed yet again with the onslaught of World War II. New drugs were constantly introduced into the market, and the pharmacist’s role became more defined.
Today’s pharmacist performs multiple vital duties. Their tasks include:
- Identifying and providing people with the proper medication.
- Overseeing stocking and restocking medicines.
- Staying ahead of medicine expiry dates.
This is probably why the International Pharmaceutical Federation (F.I.P.) established this day to honour all pharmacists. The F.I.P. mier global body represents all pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists; the F.I.P. aims to support the pharmacist network and the devel F.I.P.ent of this profession. The reason behind the date for the annual celebrations can also be traced back to the F.I.P. According to the founders of this day, they wanted F.I. Phonor, the organization doing so much for pharmacists. This is why they picked the date the F.I.P. was established — September 25, 1912.
World Pharmacists Day Timeline
1618
The Oldest Drug Reference Book
Backed by King James I and used by the Royal College of Physicians, the book “Pharmacopoeia Londinensis” names and controls the sale of medicines.
1821
First Pharmacy College in the U.S.
The first college to train pharmacists in AmerU.S was the ‘The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy — now called Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science.
September 29, 1982
Changing the Way Pills Are Sold
Cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules killed seven people in Chicago, after which tamper-resistant packaging became the new norm for pharmaceutical companies.
2008
An Artificial Pharmaceutical Assistant
The RIVA robotic device automatically prepares medicines, setting new pharmaceutical safety standards and reducing the chances of human error.
2009
An Idea Takes Root
At the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s council meeting in Turkey, members float an idea to celebrate all pharmacists by founding a special World Pharmacists Day.
World Pharmacists Day Activities
- Appreciate your pharmacist
- We bet your local pharmacy has seen you through some very trying times. Show them your gratitude. Start with simple thanks and then move to advertise their excellent services to everyone you know.
- Patronize local pharmacies
- Buy medicines and other available items from local pharmacies as much as possible. This way, you contribute to keeping the place open and your pharmacist in a job.
- Learn about a pharmacist’s role
- What they do for the local community, how they’ve helped the global community, and which health services they are qualified to provide — learn all you can about this noble profession. Share this new information with everyone you know so that they can celebrate this day too.
5 Cool Facts About Pharmacists
- First-world pharmacists
- Around 90% of people in the U.S. live within five miles of a pharmacist — that’s howU.S.y of these health professionals the country has.
- Many pharmacists were famous people
- Alexander Flemming (who discovered penicillin), Agatha Christie (world-famous crime author), and Hubert Humphrey (38th Vice President of the U.S.) are only some famous names who have also been phaU.S.ists.
- The first commercial drug
- Pharmacists began selling the first mass-produced, pre-packaged drug called ‘antipyrine’ in 1883; by the 1900s, most medicines were sold by pharmacies.
- The first pharmacy also sold traditional remedies
- Louis Dufilho, Jr., America’s first licensed pharmacist, opened a pharmacy in New Orleans that sold Voodoo remedies, opium, and leeches, alongside traditional medicines.
- Ginger ale by accident
- A pharmacist named James Vernor was creating a mixture to calm the stomach when he accidentally made what would then be known as one of America’s oldest soft drinks — ‘Vernors Ginger Ale.’
Why We Love World Pharmacists Day
- They’re making the world richer
- More than four million pharmacists worldwide had reportedly boosted the revenue of this market to around 1204.8 billion U.S.D.! That’s a significant number, and it looks like it’ll keep U.S.D.ing. We — and many governments, we’re sure — love this positive growth.
- They’re the most accessible
- Of all healthcare professionals, pharmacists are one of the easiest to get to. With a massive population of these professionals present worldwide, they have the potential and the opportunity to help people as soon as they are needed.
- They make the world better
- They readily use their expertise, knowledge, and skills to help us extract the best use from our medicines. Pharmacists are always ready to help; we love that there’s a special day dedicated to them.