Artigenda
Day of the Pharmacy Assistant
When: annually, the fourth Tuesday in September in the Netherlands.
The fourth Tuesday in September is Pharmacist Assistant Day in the Netherlands. The day is there to draw attention to the work of pharmacy assistants.
First point of contact
In the Netherlands, as in every other country, a pharmacy assistant is often the first point of contact for providing information and advice on medication. Assistants do more than dispense medication and give information and advice. They check that the prescriptions written are correct and then perform a final check. The administration also plays an important part in their work.
This is here to reflect on the work pharmacy assistants do. They are dedicated professionals who are not only hard at work in the foreground (at the counter). They also do their utmost in the background to help people. Safe and responsible medicine use plays an important role here. Moreover, they offer a listening ear and give advice, which can improve patients’ well-being.
Extra attention
The day is there as a sign of recognition and as a mark of respect. At a time when the work of assistants is sometimes under pressure from government regulations and health insurers. Hence, some extra attention may be given to pharmacy assistants on this day.
