A PHARMACY program in Portugal that aims to guarantee access to medicines in the aftermath of a financial crisis was awarded the International Pharmaceutical Federation's (FIP's) 2019 Pharmacy Practice Improvement Award at the organisation's World Congress in Abu Dhabi this week.
The programme, known as "Abem", was the first initiative launched by the Associao Dignitude (Dignity Association), which was established by the National Association of Pharmacies, the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Industry Association and others.
According to OECD data, 29% of the health expenditure in Portugal is out-of-pocket and it is estimated that one in 10 citizens cannot afford all the medicines they need.
Under the Abem programme, both public and private entities are able to identify people experiencing economic difficulties and refer them to be assessed for entitlement to an Abem card.
Since its inception in May 2016, the program has supported over 7,000 people in need and during that time, the pharmacists taking part in the programme have been required to improve their scientific and social competencies continuously.
Meanwhile FIP's 2019 Health Promotion Campaign Award went to the Brazilian Federal Council of Pharmacy (CFF) in recognition of its work with Brazil's biggest media network to communicate the value of pharmacists.
The CFF worked to ensure that pharmacists and pharmacy students were able to take full advantage of an invitation from the network to take part in its Global Well-Being Project, which comprised nine events in cities across Brazil and was watched by 9.7 million people.
Pictured: Duarte Santos accepting the Practice Improvement Award from FIP President, Dominique Jordan, on behalf of the Portuguese National Association of Pharmacies.
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