The recent celebration of World Pharmacists Day on September 25 highlighted the crucial importance of these health professionals in managing the growing challenges of the sector. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists (CNOP) organized a press conference in Kinshasa, highlighting the challenges and prospects for improving the pharmaceutical sector in the country.
A central concern raised during this press conference concerns the insufficient exploitation of the pharmaceutical entrepreneurial potential in the DRC, as well as the lack of regulation in this area. The provincial president of the CNOP highlighted various business opportunities for pharmacists, including the opening of pharmacies, the creation of representation or promotion agencies, wholesale sales, the development of the local pharmaceutical industry and research in the field.
He highlighted the essential role of the pharmacist as a health professional who, in addition to his role as a dispenser of medicines, is also involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of these medicines. Thus, he encouraged Congolese pharmacists to diversify their activities and seize the opportunities offered by the pharmaceutical sector.
Furthermore, the issue of the relationship between pharmacists and the implementation of universal health coverage was addressed during the conference. The national president of the CNOP stressed the need for the government to regulate the sector and increase the number of legalized pharmacies in order to guarantee the quality and safety of pharmaceutical care for the population.
As part of the initiative to set up a pharmaceutical supply project by the order of pharmacists, the objective is to propose concrete solutions to strengthen and legalize the Congolese pharmaceutical supply, thus ensuring equitable access to medicines and health services for all.
The theme chosen by the International Pharmaceutical Federation, “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs”, and that chosen by the CNOP, “Pharmacists at the Service of Universal Health Coverage”, underline the commitment of pharmacists to actively contribute to improving health systems and ensuring access to care for all.
In conclusion, the CNOP conference in Kinshasa highlighted the challenges and opportunities of the pharmaceutical sector in the DRC, while emphasizing the crucial role of pharmacists in promoting public health and accessibility to care. It is essential that authorities and stakeholders in the sector work together to strengthen the regulation, quality and access to pharmaceutical services for the entire Congolese population.