On September 25, World Pharmacists Day is celebrated to recognize the contributions of pharmacists and pharmacy services who constantly ensure that the medicines used are safe, effective and easily accessible.

Brief History

1. 1912: The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) was established as a global body in the fields of pharmacy, pharmaceutical science and pharmaceutical education. The date of 25 September was chosen in conjunction with the anniversary of the founding of FIP.
2. 2009: The Turkish Pharmacists Association proposed the annual celebration of “World Pharmacists Day” on 25 September. The proposal was unanimously accepted by the FIP Council at the FIP Congress, Turkey.
3. Since 2010: FIP has coordinated the global celebration of “World Pharmacists Day” with the involvement of various national associations (pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmaceutical educators). Each year, a special annual theme is introduced to highlight the role and contribution of pharmacists in the health system.

 

Theme 2025: “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”

Key message: When we think of Health - prevention, safe treatment and recovery - think of pharmacists. This theme emphasizes the contribution of pharmacists in building a resilient and sustainable health system, despite the challenges of increasing demand and resource constraints. 

Role of Pharmacists

1. Checking the safety of medicines: monitoring dosage, interactions and ensuring correctness of the method of taking.
2. Providing vaccinations and early screening: helping with disease prevention and early detection.
3. Supporting the care of chronic diseases: including high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, etc.
4. Preventing antimicrobial resistance (AMR): promoting the correct use of antibiotics through education and prescription review.

 

Digital Pharmacy and Innovation

1. Pharmacogenomics: genetic-based dose adjustment to avoid adverse effects.
2. Data-driven/AI-driven smart reviews: identify interactions/risks earlier.
3. Telepharmacy & digital follow-up: bringing pharmacy advice to rural/remote areas.
4. Advanced practice: roles such as deprescribing clinics and intensive medication reviews to optimize therapy - supporting the WHO “Medication Without Harm” goal to reduce medication-related harm through patient education and safer systems.

 

Why is World Pharmacists Day 2025 Important?

With healthcare systems increasingly busy and complex, the presence of pharmacists in community pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals as well as through telehealth provides fast and accurate access to medication counselling and follow-up care, helping to reduce medication errors and improve treatment outcomes. 

Trusted Medicines

Pharmacists maintain the integrity of the medicines chain, from the regulatory to the counter to detect substandard/counterfeit medicines, monitor adverse effects and educate the public on the proper storage and disposal of medicines. In Malaysia, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA, KKM) regularly communicates product safety and enforcement issues, while the Pharmacy Services Program leads public education initiatives. 

Focus: Seniors and Polypharmacy

For seniors or those taking multiple medications (polypharmacy patients), pharmacists:

1. perform medication reconciliation after discharge,
2. recommend adherence tools (pill boxes/reminders),
3. order memory assessments if there are cognitive concerns.

These steps support the well-being of polypharmacy patients, families and caregivers. 

Malaysia: Among the MOH Pharmacy Service Programs

1. MyUBAT: a digital application for pharmacy services at MOH – (1) Simplifies registration and patient follow-up medication supplies from the facilities of the Ministry of Health Malaysia. (2) Allows patients to monitor pharmacy value-added service appointments.
2. Ubat@Komuniti: a collaboration between MOH pharmacies and community pharmacies of the customer's choice to obtain partial prescription follow-up supplies to facilitate chronic patients.
3. Campaign to Reject Illegal Drugs (TOBaTS): a new initiative of the Pharmacy Enforcement Division, MOH in combating the issue of illegal supply and sale of medicines in Malaysia.
4. Drug price marking: increasing transparency of drug prices (MKHU) and encouraging responsible drug use.
5. Drug disposal / MyMediSAFE: facility to return unused or expired drugs at the MyMediSAFE collection center and return boxes at selected MOH hospitals/clinics to prevent environmental pollution and drug abuse.

 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Pharmacist

1. Bring a current list of medications (including supplements/traditional medicines).
2. Ask important questions: what the medication is for, how to take it, side effects and interactions.
3. Complete vaccinations as recommended.
4. Store & dispose of medications properly, consult your pharmacy for return locations.

Dr. Muhammad Zulfadli Mehat
Senior Lecturer
Department of Human Anatomy
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 25/09/2025 | Updated: 02/10/2025 | nadia_rahman