World Pharmacist Day on September 25 is a celebration of every pharmacist, pharmaceutical scientist, and others who are 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 it is also a crucial holiday to honor 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 Pharmacist 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. The Greek god of healing, Asclepius, delegated the compounding of his remedies to Hygieia, his apothecary or pharmacist.
For the longest time, healing and pharmacy went hand-in-hand and were often thought of as the same practice. 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 role of the pharmacist became more defined than ever.
Today’s pharmacist performs multiple vital duties. Their tasks include identifying and providing people with the right medication, overseeing stocking and restocking of medicines, and staying ahead of medicine expiry dates. This is probably why the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) established this day to honor all pharmacists. The premier global body to represent all pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, the FIP aims to support the pharmacist network and the development of this profession. The reason behind the date for the annual celebrations can also be traced back to the FIP. According to the founders of this day, they wanted to honor the organization that was doing so much for pharmacists. This is why they picked the date the FIP was established — September 25, 1912.
World Pharmacist Day timeline
Backed by King James I and used by the Royal College of Physicians, the book “Pharmacopoeia Londinensis” names and controls the sale of medicines.
The very first college to train pharmacists in America is the 'The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy' — now called Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science.
Cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules kill seven people in Chicago after which tamper-resistant packaging becomes the new norm for pharmaceutical companies.
The RIVA robotic device automatically prepares medicines, setting new pharmaceutical safety standards and reducing the chances of human error.
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 Pharmacist Day FAQs
What is the theme of the World Pharmacist Day 2021?
The official theme for World Pharmacist Day 2021 was “Pharmacy: Always Trusted For Your Health,” to highlight how this part of the health sector — and its people — have always been trusted by the public.
What is national pharmacist day?
January 12 of each year is celebrated as National Pharmacist Day, to honor pharmacists and the work they do in the U.S.
Which country is the largest producer of pharmaceuticals?
Countries like China, Germany, the U.S., and Europe have consistently been the biggest producers of drugs and medicines over the past decades.
World Pharmacist 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 awesome services to everyone you know.
Patronize local pharmacies
Buy medicines and other available items from local pharmacies as much as you can. This way, you contribute towards keeping the place open and keep 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 how many 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 pharmacists.
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 this way.
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 Pharmacist 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 big number, and it looks like it'll keep growing. 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 huge 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, which is why we love that there's a special day dedicated to them.
World Pharmacist Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 25 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | September 25 | Thursday |
| 2026 | September 25 | Friday |
| 2027 | September 25 | Saturday |
| 2028 | September 25 | Monday |
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