Seoul, South Korea – October 31, 2024 — At the 30th Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA) Congress held in Seoul, a significant statement was made advocating for a more proactive role for pharmacists in medication selection, addressing the growing healthcare challenges in Asia. The statement comes in response to escalating pressures on national healthcare systems, which are grappling with rising medical costs, an aging population, and increasing medication shortages. FAPA’s call emphasizes the need for pharmacists to take a central role in addressing these issues, particularly in the areas of drug prescriptions and substitutions.

With more than 2,000 pharmacists from 25 countries in attendance, the conference highlighted the urgency of these challenges. Representatives from 24 FAPA member countries adopted a statement focusing on strengthening pharmacists’ authority in the selection of pharmaceutical products. This includes advocating for the use of International Nonproprietary Names (INN), which help minimize medication errors by ensuring drugs with the same active ingredients are easily identified. According to FAPA President Yolanda Robles, “The adoption of INN is not for the personal benefit of pharmacists. It allows for cost savings by eliminating the need to stock multiple drugs with the same ingredients, playing an important role in preventing medication errors and improving patient safety.” INN prescriptions are also seen as crucial in improving patient safety by minimizing confusion, ensuring patients receive the correct medication, and supporting ongoing treatment.

The issue of rising healthcare costs and access to essential medicines was also discussed, with FAPA emphasizing the importance of generic drug substitution as a means to reduce costs for both patients and the healthcare system. Choi Kwang-hoon, President of the Korean Pharmaceutical Association, remarked that pharmacists play a vital role in improving patient safety by using INN prescriptions and promoting cost-effective alternatives. This helps to make medications more affordable and accessible while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. FAPA’s statement underscores the crucial role of pharmacists in ensuring the continuity of treatment, especially during times of medication shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of pharmacists in mitigating such shortages, as many patients struggled with the unavailability of specific drugs, like Tylenol, despite the availability of numerous generic alternatives. Incoming FAPA President, Yuh Lih Chang, pointed out, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of Tylenol, but there were over 100 generic acetaminophen products available. INN adoption will help alleviate such issues.”

In addition to medication selection and substitution, FAPA also stressed the increasing role of pharmacists in digital health. The integration of digital health solutions is seen as a way to further enhance patient safety by enabling pharmacists to monitor prescriptions, reduce errors, and provide patients with evidence-based drug choices. As Yuh Lih Chang highlighted, “Pharmacists can monitor prescriptions more effectively through digital solutions, reducing medication errors and ensuring patient safety.”

The call for empowering pharmacists to take a more active role in medication selection and substitution reflects a growing recognition of their crucial contributions to the stability and effectiveness of healthcare systems. By adopting INN and supporting substitution practices, FAPA aims to address the region’s healthcare challenges while ensuring safer, more accessible, and cost-effective care for patients across Asia.

To learn more about FAPA’s advocacy for empowering pharmacists in selecting pharmaceutical products, click the link below:

Learn more about FAPA’s initiatives. [Click Here]