In recent years, the role of community pharmacies across Europe has undergone a significant transformation. Traditionally associated with dispensing medicines, pharmacies are now increasingly moving towards becoming active healthcare service providers, offering counselling, prevention, and even clinical services.

On 17 September, the Estonian Association of Community Pharmacies (EPAL) hosted its autumn conference, “An Engaging Pharmacy,” bringing together representatives from pharmacy, healthcare, and policy across Estonia and Europe.

From 6 September, young people can get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) at many pharmacies. In Estonia, the HPV vaccine is free of charge for 12–18-year-olds.

Estonia is taking the right—and indeed essential—step to strengthen our healthcare by expanding the provision of pharmacy services. This is not a matter of belief but a well-informed, data-driven decision, a step towards a patient-centered healthcare system that has been tested in other countries and piloted in various projects here in Estonia, writes Ly Rootslane, head of the Estonian Proprietary Pharmacies Association.