By Adekunle Yusuf
THE managing partner of Savante Consulting, Sola Solarin, who has just been elected as President by the executive committee of the Industrial Pharmacy Section (IPS) of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), has said his election is a responsibility that has come at the right time, especially now that the world is battling with COVID-19 crisis.
An industrial pharmacist of repute, Solarin said the presidency of the IPS coming to the global south will give additional voice and support to issues that are prominent but by no means peculiar to healthcare delivery in the global south. He will pilot the affairs of IPS section of FIP, a global body representing over 4 million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, for the next four years. The IPS caters to the interests of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists who work in industry. They number about four hundred thousand globally and include members who work in functions like production, quality assurance, product development and regulatory affairs.
FIP is the organisation that leads over 4 million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists globally – a task it has been involved in since 1912. It envisions a world where everyone benefits from access to safe, effective and affordable medicines. FIP attempts to achieve its vision by drawing expertise from members who belong in different practice areas, including industries, communities and hospitals, among others. It has been in active collaboration with other healthcare professionals and the WHO since 1948. The IPS represents members of FIP who work in industrial manufacture, quality assurance, development and regulation of medicines.
With his election as president, Solarin said it will enable him to attract attention to issues of the high cost of new medicines and development of new technologies that will enable access to healthcare to the vast majority of people. “These issues are more germane now that the world is battling a global pandemic. We have to interrogate trade policies, look for new technologies and discuss the economics of the development and provision of new medicines that will break down barriers to a healthier world.”
According to the letter announcing Solarin’s appointment, the former president, Ulf Janzon, resigned, and Michael Anisfeld finished his term as the secretary of the Industrial Pharmacy Section and election was conducted to fill the IPS executive vacancies. Paul Sinclair, board chair of pharmaceutical practice, noted that Solarin is a former National Chairman of NAIP and has made many valuable contributions to FIP in various capacities over the years. He added that the new IPS executives will last for four years, the secretary will be Igor de Castro, the treasurer – Gabrielle (Gaby) Wiederkeh and Didier Mouliom will remain the vice-president. Sinclair welcomes the new members and look forward to the participation of the president and secretary at the upcoming BPP meetings in January and March.
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