Equitable access to quality medicines and medical devices is a fundamental component of the right to health. However, barriers to access, from economic to regulatory, continue to be a global challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In this context, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has prepared a report entitled «Improving Access to Safe and Quality Essential Medicines and Medical Devices: The Role of Pharmacy»which discusses the essential role of pharmacists in improving access to these critical resources. This document makes clear that pharmacists are key players in improving access to essential medicines and medical devices. Through their work in community pharmacies, hospitals and health centres, pharmacists have the ability to directly influence the availability, affordability and responsible use of medicines.
Pharmacists have the ability to directly influence the availability, affordability, and responsible use of medicines.
At the same time, its role in promoting public policies and implementing new technologies is crucial to ensuring that more people, especially in the most disadvantaged regions, can access the treatments they need. With their focus on education, safety and equity, pharmacists continue to be fundamental pillars in the quest for a more just and accessible health system for all.
Guarantor of safe access to medicines
One of the most important conclusions of the report is that Pharmacists are the most accessible health professionals for the population, especially in the most disadvantaged communities. This puts them in a unique position to ensure that patients receive essential medicines safely, effectively and affordably. Their work goes beyond dispensing drugs, also involving patient education on the proper use of medications, identifying dangerous interactions, and preventing side effects.
Pharmacists are the most accessible health professionals for the population, especially in the most disadvantaged communities.
The report highlights that pharmacists, through their presence in community pharmacies and hospitals, are fundamental actors in ensuring that medicines are available and accessible to those who need them most.. For example, in situations of drug shortages, pharmacists play a key role in managing therapeutic alternatives, ensuring that patients are not left without treatment. In fact, Rafael Martínez Olmedo, president of the COF of Valladolid ensures that medical professionals in these situations prioritize patients based on need and collaborate with doctors to find alternative treatments when stock is not availableas occurs with GLP-1 analogues. This ensures that patients continue to receive appropriate treatment. In addition, they have the ability to monitor drug prices, alerting authorities about fluctuations that may affect the population’s access to treatments.
Ensure affordability
One of the main challenges identified by the FIP in the access to medicines is affordability, in both high-income and low- and middle-income countries. According to the report, pharmacists can play a crucial role in improving the affordability of medicines through various strategies, such as promoting generic medicines, monitoring prices, and collaborating with authorities to ensure cost transparency.
»There is always a pharmacy open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week»
Rafael Martínez Olmedopresident of the COF Valladolid
Therefore, The president emphasizes that in Spain, the affordability of medicines is evident, the pharmaceutical map is designed so that anyone has access to a pharmacy less than half an hour by car. Furthermore, he notes that pharmacists not only dispense medications, but also provide information and expert advice on their use. “The pharmacy is the first step in the health system and there is always one open 24 hours a day.”
These professionals, being responsible for the final dispensing of medications, have the opportunity to offer more affordable alternatives to patients, as long as these are appropriate. In many countries, they are already actively participating in programs to replace brand-name drugs with generics, contributing to a significant reduction in costs for patients and health systems. In addition, report highlights pharmacists’ ability to advise patients on financial support programs and subsidies that can facilitate access to expensive medicationsparticularly in the case of treatments for chronic or rare diseases.
Responsible use
Another key point addressed is the role in promotion of rational use of medicines. This concept refers to ensuring that patients receive the appropriate medications for their clinical needs, in the appropriate doses and for the correct period of time. Pharmacists are trained to detect potential prescription problems, such as drug interactions or contraindications, allowing them to act as a final safety barrier before the medication reaches the patient.
“Pharmacists play a crucial role in educating patients about how to take their medications correctly”
Rafael Martínez Olmedopresident of the COF Valladolid
In this sense, Olmedo vindicates the figure of the pharmacist, since reinforces the importance of proper use of medications, reminding the patient of the need to complete antibiotic treatments to avoid bacterial resistance. They are also reminded that leftover medications, especially antibiotics, must be disposed of properly at SIGRE points to prevent environmental damage and resistance.
Furthermore, pharmacists They play a crucial role in educating patients on how to take their medications correctly. This not only improves the effectiveness of treatments, but also helps prevent serious problems such as antibiotic resistance, a global challenge that has been exacerbated by the misuse and excessive use of these drugs. Through education programs and awareness campaigns, pharmacists help patients better understand their treatments, promoting safer and more effective use of medications.
Equitable access
The document also highlights the role of pharmacists in the fights for more equitable access to medicines and medical devices. Globally, there are significant disparities in the distribution of these resources, especially between high-income and low-income countries. In low- and middle-income countries, more than two billion people do not have regular access to essential medicines, contributing to increasing health inequalities.. In this sense, Rafael Martínez Olmedo, emphasized In Spain, the equitable use of medicines is guaranteed by very strict legislation. The medicine has the same price in both urban and more remote areas. “The pharmacist guarantees accessibility and ensures that the patient is well advised about their treatment.”
The FIP points out that pharmacists must play an active role in promoting public policies that improve access to medicines, especially for the most vulnerable populations.
To address this problem, The FIP points out that pharmacists must play an active role in promoting public policies that improve access to medicines, especially for the most vulnerable populations.. This includes collaborating with other health professionals, governments and international organizations to implement programs that strengthen supply chains, improve health infrastructure and promote local production of medicines. In many cases, Pharmacists can also participate in initiatives to improve the availability of essential medical devicessuch as diagnostic tests and therapeutic equipment, which are crucial for the treatment of various diseases.
Training and new technologies
The report highlights the importance of continuous training of pharmacists, particularly in the context of rapid technological advances in the healthcare sector. Telemedicine and the use of digital tools are key areas where pharmacists can play a leadership roleusing these technologies to reach geographically isolated communities and improve access to medicines.