The Association of Pharmacies and Pharmacists of Romania (AFFR) and the Employers' Federation of Pharmacies of Romania (FPFR), under the patronage of the College of Pharmacists of Romania, are organizing the international conference 'Farma Conect - The Pharmacy and the Pharmacist: Strategic Partners in Healthcare' on October 20.

According to a statement sent to AGERPRES by the organizers on Thursday, the conference—which will bring together decision-makers, pharmacists, physicians, relevant Romanian and international organizations, and companies and entrepreneurs from the pharmaceutical sector—will feature interactive panels on topics such as the evolution of the pharmacy profession, the development of pharmaceutical services, and business environment dynamics, including successful models from European countries that leverage pharmacies within national strategies for prevention and chronic disease management.

'Community pharmacy is undergoing a period of profound transformation, where staffing shortages, medicine supply crises, economic and regulatory pressures, and the rapid pace of new technologies are creating a challenging operational environment. The role of pharmacies and pharmacists in people's lives is more vital than ever; yet, regulations to implement new pharmaceutical services are slow to be adopted, maintaining a significant gap compared to successful European models that have demonstrated a positive impact. Community pharmacies possess the operational infrastructure, and pharmacists have the necessary professional training, to contribute to a national prevention strategy—which is so imperative—and to improved population health. We will discuss the obstacles standing in our way, how to accelerate this transformation, and the European best practices that can guide us at Farma Conect 2026, alongside representatives from health institutions, pharmacists, physicians, and national and international organizations,' stated Bogdan Chiriac, President of AFFR/FPFR, as quoted in the press release.

According to the cited source, Farma Conect aims to generate ideas and actions that will contribute to:

- Inclusive health policies for pharmacists and pharmacies;

- Improving public perception of the pharmacy profession and addressing the staffing shortage. Aligning the academic curriculum with the pharmacist's expanding role;

- Increasing the national vaccination rate by expanding, diversifying, and reimbursing vaccination services in pharmacies, in order to ensure their sustainability;

- Reduction of state costs associated with preventable diseases through the active integration of pharmacies into the national strategy for prevention and chronic disease management;

- Reducing the impact of medicine shortages on patients and the entire pharmaceutical sector;

- Sustainability of the Romanian pharmaceutical sector and the need for a predictable business environment. The impact of new technologies on the sector.AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Petronius Craiu, editing by: Antonia Nita; EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)