News
7 December 2007
European Pharmacists meet in Milan
The final European Pharmacists Forum (EPF) of 2007 was held in Milan on 6 and 7 December 2007. During the two-day seminar, delegates were given an insight into how the American community pharmacy model has strengthened its position over the past 25 years, took part in various group discussions and heard how one EPF member created a chain of 165 pharmacies.
EPF President Elvire Kuyck, gave a welcome introduction to the delegates before handing over to Antonio Savi, Commercial Director of Alliance Healthcare Italia. Antonio began with an overview of the Italian market and outlined the offering provided to independent pharmacists by Alliance Healthcare Italia, after which delegates had the opportunity to ask questions. The next speaker was Bruce Roberts, CEO and Executive VP of America’s NCPA (National Community Pharmacy Association). Bruce gave delegates a presentation on how the Community Pharmacy model works in the United States - stating that over the past 25 years, independents have been able to strengthen their market position by developing a business model that helps them meet the challenge of change. Following an enthusiastic Q&A session, the next speaker was Peter Gibson, Head of Public Affairs, Alliance Boots. He outlined how Alliance Boots was successfully raising the profile of pharmacy with governments in the UK and Europe. The final session of the first day was presented by Kirit Patel, an EPF member, who gave delegates a first hand insight into the growth of his business. He told delegates how he started with one pharmacy in 1975 which he grew into a national chain which today comprises 165 outlets. Kirit then answered a number of questions and the first day ended with a dinner, giving delegates the chance to exchange views on the day’s events.
After a brief introduction by Elvire Kuyck, the second day began with an overview by Ornella Barra, Board Member and Wholesale & Commercial Affairs Director, Alliance Boots. Ornella gave members an update on the latest news from across Alliance Boots and Alliance Healthcare, which was followed by a series of country updates from representative EPF members.
During the last session of the seminar, delegates took part in a debate, chaired by Joao Silveira, Chairman of EPF Working Group Four (Services linking Manufacturers to the Pharmacy) and Andy Parker, Chairman of EPF Working Group Two (the Pharmacy-Patient Relationship).
