The event took place on 6 September at the Croatian Pharmaceutical Society in Zagreb, Croatia.
About EPhEU
EPhEU is the first European-wide organisation representing the interests of employed community pharmacists. Founded in 2012 (1st General Assembly on 30th June 2012), EPhEU helps the cross-border cooperation of national organisations representing employed community pharmacists. The exchange of information and experiences is intensified at periodical international meetings, to give a better response to subjects like mobility, working time directive and on-call-time, initial qualification training and continuing professional development of pharmacists.
The PDA also attended the Executive Meeting on the 5th September. Topics of discussion included training requirements, the impact of FMD (Falsified Medicines Directive), short supplies of medicines and Brexit. The subject of drug shortages was clearly of concern and it was thought that one cause could be FMD, which was slowing down production of new supplies whilst correctly barcoded packaging was produced. Delegates agreed to undertake a piece of work looking at how drug shortages were affecting member countries and whether there were any notable differences.
They also agreed that whilst FMD might prove troublesome in some countries, it was important as a measure to prevent the incursion of counterfeit medicines into supply chains and to protect both patients and pharmacists. It was noted that in some countries the use of barcodes to promote medicines safety had been in place for years. The subject of shortages led to a discussion regarding generic substitution, which is currently allowed in some countries. In France, pharmacists are also now allowed to endorse with brands where no generic product was available. Delegates agreed that pharmacists should be able to make substitutions to deal with shortages.
The General Assembly took place on 6 September and consisted of the following sessions:
- Women in pharmacy leadership in Scandinavia
- Pharmaceutical care pilot in Poland
- Key issues being handled by the PDA – Delivered by Mark Koziol, Chairman, PDA
- ‘Together we are strong’ – a look at pharmacy unionisation in German
- Learning about the French model of Pharmacy
- Medicines shortages and pharmaceutical services in Austria
- Union in EU – what’s new?
- How FIP can support us
There was also a panel discussion on eHealth with representatives from the drug companies Pliva/Teva, Sandoz, as well as the President of the Croatian Chamber of Pharmacists.
EPhEU has been an observer member of FIP (International Pharmaceutical Federation) Since 2014.
The PDAU delegation found the General Assembly really informative and welcomed the opportunity to discuss and compare pharmacy related issues with colleagues from across the continent. We are pleased that PDAU will continue to play a full part in EPhEU whether the UK remains in the EU or not.
For more information about EPhEU, visit: epheu.eu