Useful links
Afipa is a trade association that represents the self-medication medicines industry. Afipa’s role as a public health player is to promote self-medication within the public health framework with the best interest of patients/consumers, pharmacists, and enterprises that are part of the organization, as well as the society as a whole.
“The Voice of the Industry” – ASMI (Australian Self Medication Industry) is the peak body and authoritative voice for the consumer health industry representing the best interests of our members to the media, government and various other industry groups. To learn more about our activities
The Association of the European Self-Medication Industry (AESGP) is a not-for-profit organisation which represents the manufacturers of non-prescription medicines, food supplements and self-care medical devices in Europe, an area also referred to as consumer healthcare products.
NZSMI (New Zealand Self Medication Industry) is the premier body representing companies involved in the manufacture and distribution of non-prescription consumer healthcare products in New Zealand. The association also represents related businesses including advertising, public relations, legal, statistical and regulatory consultancy companies and individuals.
A member-based trade association, CHPA represents the leading manufacturers and marketers of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary supplements. CHPA members’ products provide millions of Americans with safe, effective, and affordable therapies to treat and prevent many common ailments and diseases.
The Global Self-Care Federation is a federation of regional and national associations, and manufacturers and distributors of nonprescription medicines on all continents. We are a Swiss association based near Geneva, Switzerland.
CHP Canada (Consumer Health Products Canada) is the industry association that represents the companies that make evidence-based over-the-counter medicines and natural health products. These are the products you can find in medicine cabinets in every Canadian home. From sunscreens and vitamins to pain relievers and allergy medications, people use consumer health products to maintain their health and manage their minor ailments. This is a fundamental part of self-care, which is vital to the health of Canadians and the sustainability of our health care system.
Pharmaceutical industry
Established in 2005, LEMM is a trade association consisting of Moroccan entities that operate in R&D and are branches of multinational pharmaceutical firms. The association’s goal is to provide patients, medical professionals and all healthcare providers with innovative healthcare solutions that meet the strictest international standards for both major illnesses and societal illnesses. In collaboration with its members, LEMM is dedicated to the enhancement and the development of the Moroccan healthcare system.
DECLARATIONS AND POLICY PRINCIPLES
The GSCF Declarations and Policy Principles
Self-care has gained interest in recent years in the health policy arena. The importance to preserve one’s good health and to prevent disease vs treating illness is better understood. Patients worldwide benefit from being active participants in their own healthcare rather than just being passive recipients of care. Healthcare systems are under increased financial pressure and are not sustainable if they continue to focus on treating disease rather than preventing it.
In 2006 the GSCF Board of Directors agreed on a “GSCF Declaration on Self-Care and Self-Medication” which summarizes these trends and emphasizes that one of the building blocks for a sustainable healthcare system is to give people the self-care tools they need to help them manage their health, outlining that an appropriate regulatory framework should be in place for responsible self-medication.
Under the impulse of GSCF, a number of countries and regions have subsequently adopted their own declaration tailored to their individual situation, reinforcing the relevance of the GSCF Board Declaration also at regional and national levels.
