PLTU-02 - Sustaining the pharmacy workforce in an ageing world: Systems, policy and practice
Tracks
Room 517-CD
| Tuesday, September 1, 2026 |
| 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
Details
Chair(s)
TBC
Introduction:
This plenary will explore the implications of longevity and demographic change for the pharmacy workforce and wider health systems. It will consider ageing populations, workforce shortages, longer working lives and evolving models of care, while examining how health systems can adapt to support a sustainable, resilient and fit-for-purpose pharmacy workforce.
The session will also highlight policy, regulatory and practice considerations, including workforce planning, working conditions, professional wellbeing and the role of pharmacists in primary health care. It will position workforce sustainability as essential to continuity of care, equitable access and health system resilience.
The plenary will also link to FIP Development Goal 21 on sustainability in pharmacy, highlighting how a sustainable pharmacy workforce is central to sustainable care and sustainable health systems.
Programme:
Learning objectives:
1. Describe the impact of ageing populations, longevity and demographic change on the pharmacy workforce and health systems.
2. Discuss key workforce challenges, including shortages, longer working lives, changing professional roles and evolving models of care.
3. Identify policy and practice solutions to strengthen workforce planning, scope of practice, working conditions and professional wellbeing.
4. Explain how workforce sustainability contributes to continuity of care, primary health care delivery and resilient health systems.
Take home messages:
A sustainable pharmacy workforce is essential for resilient health systems, requiring strong workforce intelligence, supportive policies, decent working conditions and investment in future-ready pharmacy practice.
FIP Development Goals:
To learn more about these FIP Development Goals, click on the links below.
FIP Development Goal 13: Policy Development
FIP Development Goal 18: Access to Medicines, Devices & Services
FIP Development Goal 21: Sustainability in Pharmacy
| 16:30 – 16:35 | Opening remarks by the co-chairs | |
| 16:35 – 16:55 | Pharmacy workforce sustainability: Data, policy and the business case for resilient health systems | |
| Prof. Ian Bates, FIP Global Pharmaceutical Observatory Director | ||
| Mr Daragh Connolly, Vice president, FIP, Ireland | ||
| 16:55 – 17:15 | An ageing workforce in an ageing world | |
| Ms Catherine Kane, technical officer, Policy, Norms and Standards Unit, Health Workforce Department, World Health Organization | ||
| 17:15 – 17:25 | Panel discussion and Q&A | |
| 17:25 – 17:30 | Closing remarks by the co-chairs |
Chairs & speakers
Prof. Ian Bates
UCL
Pharmacy workforce sustainability: Data and policy for resilient health systems
Ms Catherine Kane
WHO
An ageing workforce in an ageing world
