World Health Day is “My health, My Right

Dr. Savita Deokar,

PCU School of Pharmacy

This year’s theme for World Health Day is “My health, My Right”

I believe this message comes at a unique and inspiring time within the current global mindset. COVID-19 has, and forever will, impact the way we think and interact. The pandemic has decimated communities yet, at the same time, has forced a global pulse to be inevitably present.

A Pharmacist’s Role:

Being a pharmacist adds to this theme “My health, my right, is my responsibility” gives me a unique opportunity to play a critical role in navigating the path to building a fairer and healthier world.Regardless of the setting, the healthcare role of pharmacists or student pharmacists usually results in a very personalized relationship with patients. Pharmacists often have the time and desire to better get to know their patients, community, and health systems at large. They’re constantly striving to optimize patient care—through non-pharmacologic options, medications, education, counselling, and more.

Pharmacists also look for ways to optimize patients’ health and the delivery of healthcare. I believe this is a distinguishing factor that separates pharmacists from other healthcare specialities that focus on the singular treatment patients need within a specific moment in time. 

Given all of this background, it becomes abundantly clear that this year’s World Health Day theme, "My Health, My Right", is not just a slogan but a call to action that resonates deeply with professionals in the field of pharmacy. Pharmacists have the unique ability to leverage their skills, knowledge, and personal connections to drive better, more progressive patient care deliveries—especially to the most vulnerable of populations.Additionally, student pharmacists have an amazing opportunity to serve as advocates for these communities. They can utilize the learning environments they’re in currently to develop innovative ideas for improvements in global healthcare.