Pharmacy-Organizations
CHAPTER VI: PHARMACEUTICAL ORGANIZATIONS
Introduction
The increasing number of practicing pharmacists in the Philippines has been pivotal in the establishment of various pharmaceutical organizations. These organizations aim to unify the pharmacy profession, enhance the quality and delivery of services, and create standards of conduct essential for practice. They operate at several levels, encompassing international, national, local, and specialized domains, ensuring a wide outreach and representation of pharmacists' interests.
Major Pharmaceutical Organizations
Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA):
Founded: August 20, 1920, the PPhA was the first national pharmaceutical organization in the Philippines. It serves as a crucial platform for pharmacists' collective interest and development in the country.
Recognition: Officially recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in 1994, which affirms its significant role in the regulatory landscape and advocacy for the pharmacy profession.
Mission: PPhA’s primary mission is to promote the total health care and well-being of every Filipino through comprehensive Pharmaceutical Care strategies. It aims to ensure pharmacists are integral partners in the health care system.
More Info: PPhA, is a member of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical (FIP) and Western Pacific Forum (WPPF)
Mission of PPhA
The PPhA is guided by a clear mission to:
Uphold and enhance the pharmacy profession through advocacy and support.
Promote the role of pharmacy as a key partner in health care.
Actively participate in formulating and implementing health care policies that affect pharmacists and the community.
Unify local and international pharmaceutical organizations for greater collaboration.
Protect the rights of its members and prioritize their well-being.
Provide continuous opportunities for professional growth and education to ensure high standards in practice.
Core Values of PPhA
Solidarity: Encouraging collaboration among various chapters of PPhA, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among pharmacists.
Professionalism: Commitment to ethical and professional standards that guide pharmacists in their practice and public interactions.
Integrity: Upholding transparency, trust, and ethical conduct within all aspects of the pharmacy profession.
Competence: Striving for excellence and maintaining high standards in healthcare delivery to assure the best patient outcomes.
Social Responsibility: Emphasizing the importance of service to both clients and the wider community to positively impact public health.
Affiliate Organizations Under PPhA
The PPhA provides guidance and support to several affiliate organizations, broadening the representation of pharmacy professionals:
Philippine Association of Pharmacists in Pharmaceutical Industry (PAPPI):
Focuses on enhancing the role of pharmacists in the pharmaceutical sector.
Philippine Society of Hospital Pharmacists (PSHP):
Aims at empowering hospital pharmacists to ensure high standards of care in healthcare facilities.
Philippine Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (PACOP):
Works on improving the quality of pharmacy education and standards in academic institutions.
Department of Health - League of Pharmacists (DOHLP):
Engages in policy-making initiatives to improve pharmacy standards within health governance.
Community Pharmacists Association of the Philippines (CPAP):
Supports the professional development of community pharmacists.
Industrial Pharmacists Association of the Philippines (IPAP):
Advocates for advancement in industrial pharmacy practices.
Federation of Junior Chapter - Philippine Pharmacists' Association (FJCPPhA):
Engages young pharmacy professionals in organizational activities.
Young Pharmacists Group Philippines (YPG):
Encourages innovation and active participation of young pharmacists.
Philippine Association of Pharmacists in Veterinary Industry (PAPVI):
Works on standards and practices related to veterinary pharmacy.
Drugstores Association of the Philippines (DSAP):
Represents the interests of community drugstores, focusing on issues that impact retail pharmacy operations.
Philippine Hospital Association of Pharmacists (PHAP):
Committed to hospital pharmacists, working on improving patient care in hospital settings through innovative practices.
Alliance of Advocates for Standardized Pharmacy (AASP): Advocates for standardization and improvement of pharmacy practices nationwide.
Association of Community Pharmacists of the Philippines (ACCP): Focuses on community pharmacy practice issues and supports the professional development of community pharmacists.
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP): A global federation representing pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, fostering international collaboration and development in the field.
PPhA Activities and Contributions
The PPhA engages in numerous activities to enhance the pharmacy profession:
Medication Safety: Promotes safety initiatives and best practices in medication management among pharmacists.
CPE Programs: Provides Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs focused on up-to-date practices, innovations, and regulations in pharmacy, established since 1960.
Scholarship Programs: Offers scholarships to deserving pharmacy students, encouraging academic excellence and supporting future leaders in healthcare.
Annual National Conventions: Hosts conventions that facilitate networking, education, and sharing of professional experiences and advancements in the pharmacy field.
Government Collaboration: Establishes strong links with government agencies like the PRC and DOH for policy influence, ensuring that the voice of pharmacists is represented in legislative discussions affecting practice.
Specific Affiliates' Mission and Vision
Each affiliate organization under PPhA has distinct goals aligned with the broader mission of enhancing pharmacy practice:
PAPPI: Aims to uplift the role of pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry through advocacy and education initiatives.
PSHP: Focuses on maintaining high standards for hospital pharmacists, informing best practices in clinical settings.
PACOP: Seeks to improve the standards of pharmacy education nationwide, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the profession.
DOHLP: Works on raising pharmacy standards within the Department of Health, emphasizing regulatory compliance and quality in healthcare.
CPAP: Supports community pharmacists in growing their professional capabilities and integrating into local health systems.
IPAP: Advocates for advancements in the industrial sector, promoting innovation and efficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution.
PAPVI: Ensures quality practices in veterinary pharmacy, advocating for appropriate policies and training.
FJCPPhA: Engages pharmacy students in professional activities, promoting student involvement in the pharmacy profession.
YPG: Encourages young pharmacists to innovate in practice and engage with the community.
DSAP: Works on advocacy for community drugstores, focusing on regulations affecting retail operations.
PHAP: Strives for the improvement of patient care through initiatives that enhance hospital pharmacy practices.
AASP: Promotes standardized practices to ensure quality healthcare delivery across the nation.
ACCP: Engages community pharmacists in discussions about developments in the pharmacy sector.
FIP: Encourages global collaboration and the dissemination of best practices among pharmacists worldwide.
Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA)
Founded: 1964, to foster collaboration and promote the development of pharmacy as a profession across Asia.
Objectives: Focused on enhancing the role of pharmacists, fostering partnerships, and facilitating knowledge sharing among Asian countries.
Membership Requirements and Benefits
Requirements:
Must possess a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from an accredited institution and hold a valid pharmacist license.
Complete an application that includes personal and professional information, along with submission of an annual membership fee.
Benefits:
Provides access to CPE programs that ensure continuous professional development.
Facilitates networking with fellow professionals and experts in the field.
Encourages participation in governance, providing members a voice in organizational decisions.
Offers protection of professional rights, ensuring safe practice environments for pharmacists.
Responsibilities of Members
Members of the PPhA are expected to uphold the values of the organization through active participation in its activities, support advocacy efforts, comply with pharmacy laws and ethics, and contribute to organizational growth through mentoring and collaboration. Through these responsibilities, members enhance not only their professional standing but also the overall integrity and efficacy of the pharmacy profession in the Philippines.