A set of proposed standards for retail pharmacies regarding flu-related services were released recently, aiming to help retail pharmacies take on a broader role in community health.

The standards are being drafted by the China Association of Pharmaceutical Commerce alongside industry experts and academics, with support from partners including Swiss drugmaker Roche and on-demand delivery platform Meituan.

The initiative aims to provide pharmacies with practical guidance on customer services ranging from flu prevention advice to appropriate medication use and timely reminders to seek medical care.

Held ahead of World Flu Day, which falls annually on Nov 1, the association outlined progress on the initiative at an event in Beijing on Friday.

The move follows guidelines issued in January by the Ministry of Commerce and eight other government departments, calling for retail pharmacies to become community "health stations" by strengthening their professional services, health promotion, and emergency supply capabilities.

Jiang Lihua, vice-president and secretary-general of the association, said standardizing pharmacy services would help translate policy goals into everyday practice.

Wang Shuling, deputy dean of the School of Business Administration at Shenyang Pharmaceutical University and lead author of the draft, said the framework would address both services for customers and pharmacies' internal management.

Shi Hao, vice-president of immunology and infectious disease at Roche Pharmaceuticals China, emphasized that effective flu prevention and control depended on greater public awareness, more standardized healthcare services, and innovative therapies.

Its flu treatment, baloxavir marboxil, has been allowed to extend its approved age range to include children as young as 1. To improve disease awareness among younger demographics, Roche also announced a health education campaign featuring the animated character Peppa Pig, utilizing short animated videos and educational materials to help families recognize and manage seasonal influenza.

(Source: China Daily)