The World Pharmacy Council (WPC) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to representing and advancing the role of community pharmacies in global healthcare systems. Established in 1987, the WPC provides a unified voice for community pharmacists, advocating for their critical role in patient care and public health.
History.
The origins of the World Pharmacy Council date back to 1987 with the formation of Pharmintercom. This group consisted of community pharmacy organizations from seven countries that met annually to share information, discuss best practices, and address challenges facing community pharmacy. Recognizing the need for a more formal and influential global body, Pharmintercom members agreed to incorporate, establishing The World Pharmacy Council (WPC) in 2016. Since its inception, the WPC has expanded its membership to include numerous national community pharmacy organizations across Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia.
Purpose.
The WPC's primary purpose is to advocate for the recognition and integration of community pharmacists' skills and services within healthcare systems worldwide. The organization strives to highlight the vital role community pharmacies play in providing accessible healthcare, managing medication therapies, delivering public health services, and contributing to positive patient outcomes. The WPC works to influence health policy at both national and international levels, promoting the full scope of practice for community pharmacists and their inclusion in integrated care models.
Structure and governance.
The World Pharmacy Council operates as a not-for-profit public company registered in Australia, with its registered office located in Melbourne, Victoria. It is regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). The WPC is governed by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from its member organizations.
Since 2021 the WPC's President has been Douglas Hoey, pharmacist and CEO of the USA's National Community Pharmacists Association.
Activities.
The WPC engages in various activities to achieve its objectives, including:
Members.
The WPC comprises full and affiliate members. Full members are national pharmacy organizations representing community pharmacists in their respective countries. Affiliate members are companies and other organizations with an interest in the field of community pharmacy. As of May 2025, the full members include: