Invite Hundreds of Delegates from 30 Countries, 68th IPSF World Congress Reaps Positive Ideas and Concepts

Being a leading organization since 1949, the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF) has become home to over 500,000 pharmacy and pharmaceutical science students in more than 100 countries worldwide. Yup, an organization that originated from eight pharmacy student associations in London, England still maintains a strong influence among young academics in the field of pharmacy. 

This year, IPSF, currently chaired by Immanuel Giustino or familiarly known as Noah, once again held the annual international pharmacy student congress or IPSF World Congress. And in 2023, the Association of Pharmacy Students (HMF) Ars Praeparandi ITB successfully brought Bali as the host of the 68th IPSF World Congress held on August 1-14, 2023 at the International Conference Center Bali (ICCB), Kuta - Badung. In the implementation of the World Congress 2023, HMF 'AP' ITB also collaborated with HIMAFARMA Udayana.

Attended by IPSF Delegates from Various Countries

Vice Chairperson of the 68th IPSF World Congress, Shafanisa Fadhila, said that this congress is an annual routine event attended by IPSF delegates from various countries. Dhila, who is also known as Dhila, explained that IPSF is divided into five regional existence groups, namely the African Regional Office (AfRO), Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO), Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO), European Regional Office (EuRO), and Pan American Regional Office (PARO).

Of the five groups, there are around 160 participants who are delegates from 30 countries in the world who attended the 68th IPSF World Congress, such as Indonesia, Austria, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Japan, Morocco, Nigeria, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, PSA Taiwan, Tunisia, England, Algeria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Ghana, Iran, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Slovenia, Thailand, Turkey, USA, and Ireland.

"Delegates from each campus are different. Some have only one or two, and some have up to 20 people. From Indonesia, there is ISMAFARSI (Indonesian Association of Pharmacy Students), then HMF 'AP' ITB, BEM FF UI, BEM KMFA UGM, BEMF USD, and BEM FF UNAIR," said Dhila when talking with Liputan6.com team on Tuesday (8/8).

Bringing Goals to Address Issues in Pharmacy Education

IPSF has goals and objectives to promote the exchange of ideas and concepts in public health among international pharmacy students.

But not only that, the presence of this congress also aims to encourage the formation and development of pharmacy organizations and education, by addressing issues in pharmacy education and workforce development.

In this year's event, the 68th IPSF World Congress adopts the theme "Envision the Evolution of Life's Quality as Forthcoming Pharmacists." Dhila said that through this theme, it is expected that the participants attending this congress can utilize current technology and continue to develop in accordance with the times.

"Therefore, in the 68th IPSF World Congress, there are several events conducted by the participants, such as scientific symposiums, workshops, training programs, and competitions," said Dhila.

Various Events Highlighted in the 68th IPSF World Congress

As explained earlier, there are several activities carried out by the attending participants. Among them are the 'Problem Solving and Thinking Tools' workshop, which invites speakers from the Director of the Professional Development Department, Salma Yasyifa, who is also an intern at Paragon Technology And Innovation, and a recipient of the Wardah Scholarship Program. In the 68th IPSF World Congress, Paragon Corp becomes the main sponsor.

In addition, there is also an Aromatherapy for Daily Stress Management Workshop, Improving Health in Pharmaceutical Care & Well-being for Gen Z Symposium, and an international-scale Clinical Skill Event (CSE) competition. Well, in addition to deepening pharmaceutical knowledge and a number of competitions that sharpen pharmacy skills, the 68th IPSF World Congress also introduces Indonesian culture.

"We have several social events such as Indonesian Night, International Night, Talent Show, and Gala Night. In Indonesian Night, for example, we introduce Indonesian culture, from food to dances," said Dhila.

Local Figures Also Present, Such as Bali Governor Wayan Koster

In this international congress, Bali Governor Wayan Koster was also present. Wayan's presence not only supports organized pharmacy education on a regional and international scale.

Wayan also introduces Usada Bali as the strength of the traditional Balinese medical system sourced from nature. Wayan introduced Usada Bali to the international world as a healthy, natural, and sustainable treatment option.

"I think in the future the world will transform from conventional medicine to medicine sourced from nature, which is healthy, natural, and sustainable. This is a new pattern in global society. I am here specifically because I am happy that the attendees are students. Bali was chosen as a very important event, so I am proud and honored by the presence of the participants," said Wayan in his speech on Sunday (6/8). 

Held at the International Conference Center Bali

To hold a large-scale international event like this, of course, a suitable and good place is needed. That's why the International Conference Center Bali (ICCB) is present as the ideal main choice. ICCB is a modern conference center that is the perfect venue for hosting various events, such as the 68th IPSF World Congress. 

Dhila said, ICCB was chosen as the venue for the 68th IPSF World Congress because of its strategic location. 

"ICCB is close to two hotels, so we don't have difficulty finding accommodation for the committee and participants. We don't need to provide additional transportation because the distance from the hotel to ICCB can be reached within a five-minute walk." The location is also close to the airport and Kuta Beach," said Dhila.

In addition to being located in the heart of Kuta, ICCB was chosen because it has a large capacity Main Hall room that is sufficient to accommodate participants and committees. In fact, there are still three other rooms inside that can be used during the 68th IPSF World Congress, such as the Seed Room, Garden Room, and Green Room. 

"The facilities are good and clean, and the staff at ICCB are very friendly and helpful. If we have sudden requests, they are very adaptive and flexible. So we are very, very helped," she said.