Pharmacist: Family pharmacies are not just commercial establishments - they are centers of trust

For the second consecutive month, the "Run for Health" initiative was held simultaneously in several cities in the country. Thousands of participants joined the run, and master pharmacists from different regions joined in with free consultations and advice on strengthening the immune system, a healthy lifestyle and prevention. The campaign is organized by the Initiative Committee of Master Pharmacists, with the support of the union of family pharmacies "Alliance Service" and the partnership of 5kmrun.

"Summer is the natural time to strengthen the immune system, and autumn - to complete the process with vaccination. This is the path to a healthier society. Family pharmacies are the backbone of drug supply in Bulgaria. But besides consultation and therapy, we have the capacity and mission to talk about prevention – to encourage healthy people to stay healthy“, commented Adelina Lyubenova, chairwoman of the Initiative Committee of Master Pharmacists.

The events in Plovdiv, Burgas, Sofia, Pleven, Varna and Petrich and other cities in the country were held with active interest. Pharmacists on site measured body parameters, distributed vitamins and information materials, and answered questions from participants. The consultations included topics such as building immunity through exercise, nutrition and timely prevention.

"We are leaving our pharmacies to state that prevention is key. This is the formula for health in winter“, says Konstantin Popov, Master Pharmacist from Yambol.

"Family pharmacies are not just commercial establishments – they are centers of trust“, adds Penka Mineva from Pazardzhik.

In Burgas, the event started in the Sea Garden and attracted dozens of participants and visitors.

"Movement is a natural way to build immunity. Millions of packages of medicines were prescribed last winter alone – it is time to talk about prevention”, commented Irina Stankova, a master pharmacist from Burgas.

According to Konstantin Popov, master pharmacist and secretary of the Initiative Committee, it is the family pharmacies in smaller settlements that are an indispensable part of the health infrastructure.

"That is why we support events like 5kmrun – because they provide a real opportunity for conversation between a pharmacist and a patient. And we will be there for them – with advice, with attention and with care.“

The "Running for Health" campaign will continue every first Saturday of the month. The next event is planned for September, and the Initiative Committee is also preparing additional activities aimed at prevention, health culture and personal responsibility.