International Forum on Primary Health Care to convene global pharmacy leaders ahead of FIP Congress 2026
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), in collaboration with the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), will bring together pharmacy leaders from around the world in Montreal for the International Forum on Primary Health Care: Advancing Pharmacy's Role in Primary Care – A Global Leadership Dialogue.
Held on August 28, ahead of the opening of FIP 2026 World Congress, this forum will bring together invited senior leaders from national pharmacy associations, regulators, academia, health systems and other key stakeholders from OECD and comparable countries. The forum will provide a focused opportunity to explore how leadership, advocacy and policy can accelerate the integration of pharmacists into primary health care systems around the world.
As countries continue to expand pharmacists' roles to improve access to care, the forum will provide an opportunity to exchange international perspectives, share successful models of care and identify common priorities for advancing the profession globally.
“Primary health care systems around the world are facing growing pressures, and pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help improve access to care,” said Dr. Sadaf Faisal, Chief Pharmacist Officer, CPhA. “This forum is an important opportunity for pharmacy leaders to share perspectives, learn from one another and identify the policies and system changes needed to further strengthen pharmacists' role in primary care.”
What's on the program
The forum will feature expert panels and discussion on three key areas:
Advancing pharmacy integration in primary health care: This session will examine how pharmacists are integrated into primary health care across different countries, exploring models of care, funding approaches and their impact on patient access, quality of care and health system performance.
Ensuring pharmacist workforce readiness: As pharmacists take on expanded responsibilities, this discussion will explore workforce readiness, education and training, confidence versus competence, and the system supports needed to enable pharmacists to practise safely and effectively in primary health care settings.
Policy and system enablers: The final panel will focus on the policy, regulatory and advocacy approaches that support pharmacist integration into primary health care. Panellists will share experiences navigating regulatory frameworks, reimbursement models and interprofessional collaboration, highlighting opportunities to strengthen pharmacy's role in health systems worldwide.
The forum will feature internationally recognized pharmacy leaders from Canada and around the world, including representatives from FIP, CPhA, APhA, pharmacy organizations, regulators, academia and health system leaders. The programme includes opening remarks from Deb Saltmarche, Chair of CPhA; Paul Sinclair, President of FIP; and Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, President of APhA, as well as expert speakers from Canada, Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
This forum is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment helps advance global dialogue on the future of pharmacy in primary health care.
Thank you to our sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PREMIUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
