Greening the curriculum: challenges in bringing environmental sustainability to pharmaceutical education

Environmental sustainability assumes a crucial dimension in modern pharmaceutical care, as the production, distribution, dispensing, and disposal of pharmaceutical products significantly contribute to environmental pollution and pose long-term health risks to the public. Pharmacists, as medication experts, play a central role in mitigating these risks through safe medication management, patient counseling, and advocacy for sustainable practices, working in close collaboration with prescribers and other healthcare professionals. It's essential to incorporate environmental sustainability into pharmaceutical curricula to prepare pharmacists for these challenges. Improper manufacturing and disposal of pharmaceuticals can contaminate soil and water, leading to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and ecological disruption. Real-world examples, such as the detection of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in natural waters, biota, and drinking water, underscore the need to address these challenges. By embedding sustainability in education, future pharmacists develop competencies in green chemistry principles, medication review and optimization, formulary stewardship, and guidance on safe drug disposal, thereby strengthening the sustainability of the healthcare system. Several initiatives worldwide emphasize the practical necessity of this academic training. This dynamic relationship ensures that pharmacists act as both guardians of patient health and stewards of environmental wellbeing.