Experts from across the sector shared insights on key issues shaping the future of patient care in community pharmacy, including the use of technology to improve outcomes and the continued development of pharmacy-based vaccination services. These discussions reinforced the significant clinical, social and economic value of the community pharmacy network as a vital primary healthcare solution. Across member countries, the expansion of clinical services within the sector is improving patient access and helping to relieve pressure on the wider health system. It is imperative that this expansion is built on a sustainable funding model that recognises and values the core clinical service of dispensing.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of maintaining well-distributed networks of physical community pharmacies. These networks, and the highly skilled community pharmacy workforce within them, are critical components of health system infrastructure. These community pharmacies not only underpin accessible, high-quality pharmaceutical care. They also provide a ready-made opportunity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of increasingly strained health systems. Remote pharmacy models pose risks to the quality and continuity of patient care, undermining local access to community pharmacy-based services. We continued our proactive engagement with the OECD and we were delighted to host a positive exchange with an expert from their Health Division ensuring the voice of community pharmacy continues to make a measurable contribution to OECD policy development.

Delegates reviewed the Councils future policy priorities, with a particular focus on further strengthening data collection, analysis and evidence generation across member countries and in collaboration with the OECD. This evidence will help shape future work and support member organisations in enhancing clinical service delivery, strengthening the core clinical service of dispensing and shaping the responsible use of artificial intelligence and other technologies in community pharmacy.

The Council will hold the 40th-anniversary edition of Pharmintercom in Sydney in June 2027.

The World Pharmacy Council (The Council) held its 39^th Pharmintercom conference from the 16th to the 19th of June 2026 at the Berlin Headquarters of ABDA (Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Apothekerverbände e. V., the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists). Delegates from member organisations representing 14 countries attended the conference. They were joined by guests representing the Austrian Pharmacy Owners Association (Apothekerverband) and the Swiss Pharmacists Association (pharmaSuisse), and our affiliate members.

The Council President Prof Trent Twomey opened the conference, noting: “Whilst we face profound challenges in many of our member countries, there are new opportunities to ensure healthcare remains a political priority and to position community pharmacy at the heart of the debate, enhancing access, affordability and availability to the patients we all serve.”