The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), joins the Turks and Caicos Islands Pharmacists Association (TCIPA) and the International Pharmaceutical Federation(FIP) in observing World Pharmacists Day (WPD) 2025. The FIP is the global body for pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and pharmaceutical education. The Federation was founded in 1912 and represents 160 national organisations, allied organisations (including academic institutional members) and individual members which amounts to over four (4) million pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmaceutical educators globally.
Notably, pharmacists are the most accessible members of healthcare systems and are integral in conducting the following:
- Ensuring the availability and appropriate use of quality, effective and safe medicines,
- Delivering preventive care,
- Supporting public health campaigns,
- Promoting rational drug use e.g., antibiotics,
- Improving health literacy, and
- Serving as a trusted point of contact for millions – especially in underserved areas.
As such, pharmacists deliver safe, cost-effective care that strengthens health systems and contributes to universal health coverage.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) values the above-mentioned inputs from pharmacists in the TCI as these contributions lead to positive health outcomes in the health sector. This year, the MoHHS joins the TCIPA and the FIP in observing World Pharmacists Day 2025 on the 25th of September under the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”.
In support of WPD 2025, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services stated that: “The MoHHS and by extension the TCI joins the global community in observing World Pharmacists Day 2025 by fully supporting the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”. In addition, the MoHHS’ has a deep commitment to achieve the goals of the National Pharmaceutical Policy and thereby further developing pharmacy services in the TCI. This shows our desire to fully integrate pharmacists into TCI’s health strategies in a manner that is responsive, efficient and cost-effective.”.
According to the FIP, when pharmacists are underutilised or replaced by under qualified personnel, the cost is not just financial, but human.
Therefore, on WPD 2025, members of the public are encouraged to celebrate and advocate for their pharmacists and highlight the profession’s contributions geared towards better health outcomes.
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