An interview with the Director of the Vatican Pharmacy

A spirit of welcome and charitable hospitality

The Vatican Pharmacy is unique and distinguishes itself from other pharmacies not only because it is located inside Vatican City State and because of its wide range of products, but also because it provides a service that is almost a mission, that of contributing to the health of the body and giving hope to those who suffer, inspired by the charism of Saint John of God. Brother Binish Thomas Mulackal of the Order of Fatebenefratelli, Director of the Vatican Pharmacy, speaks about this in the following interview.

The Pharmacy is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its foundation. What has changed since then and what has remained unchanged?

The Vatican Pharmacy is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its foundation, an achievement that highlights the changes that took place through time, such as the quantity and quality of pharmaceutical products. The Pharmacy was significantly expanded and modernized throughout the decades but the spirit of those who work has remained the same as ever. This spirit is essentially what contributes to the health of the body and brings hope to those who suffer. It is part of the mission of service and charity.

In many ways the Pharmacy has undergone many upgrades and modern changes. In the technical field, manual instruments have given way to computerized systems and automated machines. With regards to pharmaceutical products, there was a move from artisan formulas to industrial and biotechnological products. Regulations have also changed: from less rigid to more complex quality and security checks. Even the role of the pharmacist has changed, from preparing formulas to being a health advisor. Continued training is also fundamental. There is a tendency to customize care, with attention to the specific needs of individual patients, with ethics and integrity as the constant values to guarantee the wellbeing of patients.

How much does the charism of Saint John of God influence the Pharmacy?

The charism of saint John of God, founder of the Fatebenefratelli, has a profound influence on the way the Pharmacy is run. Principles of compassion, service to the sick and dedication to the wellbeing of others inspire pharmacists to maintain a high ethical standard and provide care focused on the patient. This charism promotes an environment of empathy, professionalism and integrity in the daily practices of the Pharmacy.

What is the difference between a normal Pharmacy and the Vatican Pharmacy?

The difference is certainly our spirit of welcome and charitable hospitality. The Vatican Pharmacy distinguishes itself from other pharmacies chiefly because of its location and its unique role. Located inside Vatican City State, it serves a specific clientele composed of Vatican residents and employees, members of the clergy and visitors with special prescriptions. Moreover, it has access to a vast array of pharmaceutical products, including those that are hard to find or come from international markets which often cannot be found in other pharmacies. Normal pharmacies serve the general public or work under the health and pharmaceutical regulations of the country in which they are located.

Is there a characteristic that distinguishes those who work in the Pharmacy?

There is a high level of professionalism, combined with strong ethics of service. The pharmacists and the staff are chosen for their ability to provide high level health assistance, often in different languages, and for their commitment to follow the ethical and moral principles inspired by the charism of Saint John of God. Professionalism is not useful if it is not accompanied by a great willingness to listen and empathise with patients, to provide the best tools to deal with health issues in the best possible way.

What are your projects for the future?

Projects are based on the needs, changes and demands of the structure and of the time. In the last 10 years, the Vatican Pharmacy has had several important projects, such as the new stand in the Vatican Museums, and a complete restructuring and automation, with the use of robotics.

There are several ongoing projects to improve our service of assisting the sick and those in need. Together with other Directorates of the Governorate, we are considering the automation of the warehouse, which will help us further improve all the steps to provide products more rapidly and precisely.

As we prepare ourselves for the next Jubilee of the Church, “Pilgrims of hope”, we are working to offer our contribution to this service.

The Fatebenefratelli community and all the professional collaborators are committed to making the service provided by the Pharmacy, ever more efficient and modern, in line with the demands of current times.

(Nicola Gori)

(Nicola Gori)