Brisbane Hosts World Leaders in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has played host to the world’s premier pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences congress, the 81st International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Some 2,000 delegates from 90 countries attended the Congress at the ASM Global managed venue. The event has not been held in Australia for 20 years.

The five-day event showcases Australia’s and Queensland’s innovation in the health care sector and pioneering pharmacy practices.

The team at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) worked with the Queensland Government, through Tourism & Events Queensland (TEQ) and were supported by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), on securing this high-profile sector congress which is expected to deliver more than $7 million into the local Queensland economy.

The Congress coincided with World Pharmacists Day, further highlighting the work of Australia’s 36,000 pharmacists in delivering pharmaceutical services and the research they conduct.

Leading the Congress was the newly appointed president of FIP and Sydney pharmacist, Paul Sinclair, the first Australian president in the federation’s 111-year history.

Aligning with the Congress theme, Pharmacy building a s ustainable future for healthcare – Aligning goals to 2030, Mr Sinclair delivered a strong message, saying for too long, the negative impact of the healthcare sector on the environment had been a marginal topic, and urging delegates to build a sustainable future for health care.

“This FIP World Congress has made clear the pharmacy profession’s value in contributing to the 2030 global agenda, which includes the Sustainable Development Goal of health and well-being for all. Pharmacists have a huge potential to further improve the health of communities and are eager to do much more,” he said. 

Queensland Health Minister, Shannon Fentiman addressed the Congress on World Pharmacists Day announcing the expansion of a Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, allowing pharmacists to administer a wider range of vaccines and prescribe medicines for common health conditions.

BCEC General Manager, Kym Guesdon said the Centre was honoured to welcome the World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and their delegates to Australia after so many years, and with such a determined sustainability message.

“At BCEC we have a strong focus both on sustainability and the medical and health care sectors. The Centre’s collaborative partnerships with the local scientific community as part of our Convention Advocates Partnership, play an important role in attracting these key sector conferences to Brisbane.”