There is an urgent requirement for new drugs to combat many diseases, according to Mr Michel Buchmann, President of International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
The requirement for new drugs was more in the case of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, among others, Mr Buchmann told newspersons on the sidelines of the international congress of FIP here on Tuesday.
The innovation and new drug discovery slowed down of late due to a variety of reasons including high costs involved and the number of new molecules was decreasing, he said.
There was a need for providing better education for pharmacists and better utilisation of their services, he added.
Mr Ton Hoek, Chief Executive Officer, FIP said Governments across the world should invest more in making the ‘best' use of pharmacists.
“In many areas, about two-thirds of population decide to go to a pharmacist before approaching a doctor. They are gatekeepers of health systems,'' Mr Hoek said.
Education system
The education system for pharmacists should be made more comprehensive so that they could act as ‘collaborators' with doctors in extending healthcare services, he added. Referring to shortage of drugs, the CEO said new antibiotics were also not being developed.
“There is an emergency situation in the form of growing resistance to antibiotics. Responsible use of antibiotics is needed,'' he said.