Behind almost every chronic illness or ageing family member is someone quietly managing the medication schedule, chasing prescriptions and generally providing support.
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) says the “majority of these informal carers are women” who provide care and support while their own “health and well-being often go unrecognised”.
A new policy statement from FIP, released on 31 August, argues it’s time this changed, and that pharmacists are well placed to help.
Care has moved home, and so has the pressure
The statement recognises that caring responsibilities have become increasingly complex as home-based care has expanded, hospital stays have shortened, and digital health technologies have become more widely used.
While these developments have created new opportunities, they have also increased the demands on carers, who are often responsible for managing multiple medicines, interpreting health information and distinguishing reliable advice from misinformation.
To address these challenges, the policy recommends that governments formally recognise the contribution of informal carers, strengthen policies that enable pharmacist-led services, invest in education and training, and develop sustainable funding models that improve access to care.
It also encourages pharmacy organisations and education providers to equip pharmacists with the skills needed to support carers through preventive care, medicines optimisation, digital health literacy and safe transitions of care.
“The policy highlights the growing pressures faced by informal carers as populations age and more care is delivered in homes and communities,” says Dr Virginia Olmos, co-chair of the policy committee.
“It argues that pharmacists, as one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, are uniquely placed to help carers navigate increasingly complex medicines regimens, improve health literacy, prevent medicines-related harm and access appropriate health services.”
Women carry the load
FIP says the statement pays particular attention to women, who account for an “estimated 80% of informal carers globally and are more likely to provide intensive, long-term care”.
“It also acknowledges the additional challenges faced by women living in humanitarian settings or experiencing gender-based violence, where pharmacists may be among the few accessible healthcare professionals,” says the organisation.
“Supporting informal carers is not simply about improving medicines use; it is about recognising their contribution to society and ensuring they have the knowledge, confidence and support to care safely while protecting their own well-being,” says Ema Paulino, co-chair of the policy committee.
“By empowering carers, pharmacists can improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities and help build more resilient, people-centred healthcare systems.”
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and FIP’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, the statement calls on governments and health organisations to formally recognise carers and fund pharmacist-led support to reach them.
