The Vision is grounded in the development of our Green and White Papers throughout 2024, shaped by policy insight, operational understanding, and extensive engagement across the profession. Together, these formed a strong platform for setting out a future model that is achievable, practical, and patient-focused. 

What emerges is a picture of a sector that is not simply evolving but aligning itself with broader healthcare ambitions and responding to the needs of patients, communities, and the system with clarity and purpose. 

Looking ahead, building on strength 

Pharmacists play an essential role in primary care: supporting access to medicines, safeguarding patient safety, and offering trusted, timely advice in every town and village across Ireland. The Vision for 2030 builds on this strength and charts a future in which community pharmacy continues to grow in clinical scope, integration, and impact. 

By the end of the decade, pharmacies will be central to delivering structured care for common clinical conditions, contributing to chronic disease management, and participating more fully in the delivery of preventative health services. Digital integration will ensure pharmacists can work more effectively with colleagues across primary and secondary care and a focus on workforce and sustainability will ensure the profession remains equipped to meet the demands ahead. 

Five pillars shape this future: 

• Empowering Health through disease prevention and health promotion; 

• Medication Safety and Optimisation as a core clinical role; 

• Expanded Clinical Services that support timely access to care; 

• Seamless Patient Care across a connected health system; and 

• A Strong, Sustainable Foundation built on workforce support and professional leadership. 

Each element stands on its own — but together, they represent a clear pathway forward. 

Readiness and direction 

As a profession, pharmacy is ready. The foundation has been laid not just through this Vision, but through the everyday work of pharmacists already delivering care under pressure and navigating a system not yet fully aligned with what they can offer. 

The enablers are known, from digital infrastructure and system reform, to legislative clarity and resourcing. Many of these are already under discussion. Others require attention in the months ahead. What the Vision provides is a shared language, a steady direction, and a framework around which future progress can be built. 

A shared commitment 

This is not a campaign, nor a standalone document. It is part of a wider strategy to ensure that community pharmacy is recognised and supported as a vital contributor to national health policy and service delivery. The profession knows where it is heading. It is already moving — and continues to do so with focus, care, and a strong sense of responsibility to patients. 

The IPU Vision for Community Pharmacy in 2030 is available to view at ipu.ie/vision.