The International Day of Pharmacy Technicians and Preparators highlights their growing role in healthcare, with efforts to standardize training across Europe.
International Day of Pharmacy Technicians
The International Day of Pharmacy Technicians and Preparators was established four years ago by the European Association of Pharmacy Technicians (EAPT) and is celebrated on October 20, the third Tuesday in October.Purpose of the Day
The day serves to "remind everyone of the existence of the profession and to honor it," according to Firat Kufteci, president of the National Association of Pharmacy Preparators (ANPPO).EAPT's Role
The EAPT, which brings together associations of pharmacy preparators from 15 member countries, works to improve the recognition of the profession, provide quality training, and develop skills.Changing Role of Pharmacy Preparators
In France, "the missions of pharmacies are diversifying, and patient expectations are always increasing," noted David Brousseau, federal secretary of Force Ouvrière (FO), pharmacy branch. "Pharmacy preparators must be able to take their full place in these changes, with recognized skills and real professional development opportunities."ANPPO Joins EAPT
To bring these demands to the European level, the ANPPO officially joined the EAPT on May 22 during its general assembly in Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin), joining its hospital counterpart, the ANPPH, which has been a long-time member.European Diploma Initiative
This rapprochement allows French pharmacy preparators to participate in the work of the European body, which has advocated since its creation in 2011 for the establishment of a bachelor's level diploma across Europe—a project still hindered by significant differences in training from one country to another.
