More than 3,000 pharmacists from 24 countries and regions are gathering in Taiwan for the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA) Congress, an opportunity for Taiwan to shine in international activities.
The FAPA Congress, which is held every two years in different Asian countries and hosted by a member association, returned to Taiwan for the fourth time after 13 years.
Themed on “Health System Resilience, Security and Equity: Pharmacists can help,” the event began on Tuesday and is to end tomorrow at the International Convention Center in Taipei.
Photo courtesy of the Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations
Taiwan participates in the congress using the name “Taiwan” instead of “Chinese Taipei,” and the national flag was carried onto the stage with other participating countries at the opening ceremony of the congress.
This year’s congress is the largest scale since its establishment in 1966, receiving more than 600 abstract submissions, the organizer Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations (FTPA) said.
In addition to holding more than 50 meetings and speeches, the organizer arranged five trips for foreign pharmacists to visit hospitals, pharmacies and pharmaceutical factories in Taiwan, it said.
Photo courtesy of the Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), who was invited to address the ceremony, said that the support of pharmacists was needed to enhance resilience and safety in the public health system in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
She thanked pharmacists for safeguarding the health of the public during the past few years when COVID-19 struck the world.
Tsai raised the example of FAPA president Yolanda Robles, who took over the post in 2021 and promoted pharmaceutical science, strengthened its system, and improved drug safety and services with outstanding leadership.
Photo courtesy of a reader
During the same time, Taiwan’s pharmacies and pharmacists assisted the government with selling facial masks and rapid test kits under the real-name mask registration system, she said.
They also dispatched and delivered medicine to people in isolation, all were efforts that helped Taiwanese overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she added.
Although the world has removed the COVID-19 restrictions after the pandemic subsided, “we still need pharmacists to be good supporters and health mentors for the people,” she said.
Photo courtesy of the Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations
Pharmacies not only provide medicines, but also serve as an important base for health services and long-term care consultation in the community, she added.
Taiwan has increased its investment in the health system and is cooperating with different countries on the prevention and treatment of diseases, Tsai said.
With Taiwan’s experience and contribution, medical care can be improved globally, she said.
The pandemic provided the opportunity for the world to witness the power of unity and taught the world that building a more comprehensive and resilient health system “requires the whole world working together,” she said.
Tsai hoped that the platforms of the FAPA and the International Pharmaceutical Federation could foster closer communication and cooperation between pharmacists so that “all people can receive equal access to safe and high-quality medical services.”
To the pharmacists participating in the congress, Tsai said: “Thank you. The world is fortunate to have you. Thank you for your hard work.”
Tsai witnessed Robles presenting the FAPA Lifetime Achievement Award to FTPA chairman Huang Jin-shun (黃金舜), thanking him for “breaking out of Taiwan’s diplomatic dilemma” and winning the bid to host the congress in the nation this year.
Being the host nation could help give Taiwanese pharmacists an international stage and introduce Taiwan’s solid public health system to the world, she said.
According to the FAPA, the award is presented to “a pharmacist who has made an impact on practice and society, resulting in the improvement of the pharmacy profession. Their contribution is recognized not only within the local community, but also internationally.”
Huang was awarded the FAPA’s Ishidate Award at the previous congress held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The award “recognizes excellent contributions made by Asian pharmacists distinguished in the field of hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, industrial pharmacy, pharmacy education, and community pharmacy,” according to the FAPA.
“We are delighted to present this award to its first Taiwanese recipient,” which is a “significant milestone for Taiwanese pharmacists,” Robles said.
She thanked Huang, who also serves as the host of the congress, for garnering support from the government of Taiwan and Taipei and the organizing committee for “ensuring the quality and smooth conduct of this event” through its year-long planning.
“We are happy to return and experience the world-famous Taiwanese hospitality,” she said.
Huang thanked medical personnel who devoted themselves day and night to disease prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that Taiwanese pharmacists acted remarkably in the effort.
He hoped that the “good friends” in the pharmaceutical field who gathered in Taipei for the congress could “see Taiwan’s prosperity and progress, freedom and democracy, as well as feel Taiwanese people’s passion.”
Despite the continuous harassment and provocation from China, “Taiwanese people have no fear” and “forge ahead steadily” under the leadership of President Tsai, he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic plunged the world into economic recession, but the economy in Taiwan grew, which “impressed the world” and demonstrated the resilience of the nation, he said.
Taiwan is a diverse society and wishes to make friends with the world, he said.
“It is hoped that this congress will make foreign pharmacists fall in love with this beautiful, passionate and warm ocean country,” he added.
Meanwhile, the pharmacist community has jointly signed a petition to recommend Huang to be included in the legislators-at-large candidate list of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for the legislative elections in January next year.
Huang told reporters yesterday that he “has professionalism, coordination ability, eloquence, international outlook and loyalty to the party.”
The DPP has never had a legislator who is a pharmacist, he said, adding that he hoped to speak out for pharmacists in the parliament.
The FAPA, which was established in 1964 in Metro Manila, the Philippines, is the biggest regional organization in Asia that convenes pharmacists working in all fields and practice settings.
The FTPA, the largest pharmacist organization in Taiwan, joined the FAPA last year. The Pharmaceutical Society of Taiwan has been a member association of the FAPA since its founding.
The president of a member association may bid to host the congress at least four years before the congress during the council meeting.
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