The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has issued 23 urgent measures that governments and other stakeholders must put in place in order to ensure the continuity of pharmaceutical care to people around the world and so that pharmacists can play an even greater part in the fight against coronavirus/COVID-19.
This call to action addresses the major issues currently being faced by the pharmacy profession across the globe by demanding, for example, that:
- Pharmacists and pharmacy staff are recognised as key workers;
- Pharmacy staff have access to appropriate protective equipment;
- Pharmacy staff are included in the groups of healthcare and essential workers to be tested for coronavirus/COVID-19;
- Home delivery of medicines and pharmaceutical services to patients who must stay at home is funded;
- Medicines at risk of shortage are identified and mitigation plans put in place;
- Continuing education in infectious disease and emergency response is funded;
- Financial aid is provided to pharmacies in the event of temporary closure for health reasons.
FIP’s measures also look ahead, calling for provisions to be made in preparation for future developments...
The full text of the news can be found at GMPnews.Net