On Wednesday 23 September 2026, the Luxembourg Pharmacists' Association (SPL) stressed the essential role of community pharmacists in Luxembourg's healthcare system.
Ahead of the World Pharmacists Day, which will take place on Friday 25 September 2026, the SPL announced this year’s theme "Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures".
SPL explained that Luxembourg currently has 104 community pharmacies employing more than 850 people and providing over 3,400 on-call shifts each year. More than nine in ten residents have a pharmacy within ten minutes of their home.
The association further noted that pharmacists' work extends beyond dispensing medicines to include advice on treatments, prevention, health education, support for patients with chronic illnesses and referrals to other healthcare professionals when necessary. Their work also helps prevent the misuse of medicines and risks associated with self-medication.
In recent years, pharmacists have taken on additional public health responsibilities, including participation in vaccination campaigns, screening and awareness initiatives and increased patient support.
Against the backdrop of an ageing population, an increase in chronic illnesses and growing pressure on the healthcare system, the SPL called for pharmacists to play a greater role in patient care. The association pointed to their scientific expertise, nationwide presence and accessibility as areas that could be further used for prevention, patient monitoring and improving the efficiency of the healthcare system.
The SPL also said that pharmacies face challenges including medicine shortages, which it said are taking up an increasing share of their resources. Despite these pressures, pharmacies continue to provide an essential local service to the population.
On the occasion of World Pharmacists Day, the association called for greater recognition of pharmacists' role in addressing current and future public health challenges.
