A new guide launched by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) recently highlights the pivotal role played by pharmacists in reducing the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals and promoting sustainability throughout healthcare systems. While many pharmacists recognise climate change as a health threat, many are uncertain about how to translate awareness into practical action. This publication addresses that gap, providing clear direction for education, policy, and practice reform, said the FIP.
“Aligned with FIP Development Goal 21 (Sustainability in Pharmacy) and the FIP Statements of Policy
on Environmental Sustainability within pharmacy (2016) and on Environmentally Sustainable pharmacy practice (2023), the guide outlines actionable mitigation and adaptation strategies. It supports pharmacists in reducing emissions, preventing pollution, and building climate- resilient, equitable, and accessible healthcare services,” said FIP CEO Catherine Duggan.
Designed for pharmacists, pharmacy educators, policy- makers, and healthcare leaders, the guide promotes professional development and practical application of sustainability principles across all pharmacy settings. Equipping the global pharmacy workforce with the knowledge and tools for environmentally responsible practice advances both patient care and global sustainability goals, she added.
In addition, this guide provides regulatory considerations and professional responsibilities for incorporating sustainability-related knowledge and skills systematically into a pharmacy curriculum and professional standards. To assist with
this, the FIP Provision Programme provides a global platform to support the pharmacy profession in advancing professional development and strengthening the pharmaceutical workforce in line with local and national needs. “FIP encourages the development and sharing of high- quality professional programmes, and this Knowledge and Skill reference guide can serve as a foundation for designing and updating such programmes,” said Rúben Viegas, FIP Humanitarian and Sustainability Programme Manager.
The guide concludes by emphasising the call for regulatory incentives, investment in sustainable models of care, and system-wide monitoring
and accountability, supported by enabling policies and system-level measures to ensure application and implementation in practice.
