24th International Pharmaceutical Forum (FPI) 2025: AI's Contribution to the Pharmaceutical Sector
The 24th International Pharmaceutical Forum (FPI) 2025 took place from April 30 to May 2, 2025, bringing together professionals and experts in the pharmaceutical sector around the theme of artificial intelligence (AI) in this field. The event, which addressed the challenges and opportunities, featured a series of conferences, including one on May 2 by Dr. Abderrahim Derraji, on "Digital Pharmacy: AI's Contribution in Back and Front Office."
Reducing Medical Errors with AI
During this conference, Dr. Beya Labidi highlighted the importance of AI in centralizing patient data, enabling more effective management of medical histories and facilitating consultation between doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. According to her, this centralization would prevent errors such as medication interactions or adverse effects due to poor advice.
"It is crucial to have tools that allow sharing information among all healthcare stakeholders to ensure optimal patient care," she emphasized. Among emerging tools, she cited a well-known platform that connects patients directly with pharmacists or doctors, reinforcing this collaborative and secure approach.
AI as a Complement, Not a Substitute
However, the adoption of AI in the pharmaceutical sector is not without reservations. Dr. Emna Abbes, a pharmacist, reassured healthcare professionals about the integration of these new technologies. According to her, one should not fear AI but rather be curious and open to its application, especially to meet the specific needs of pharmacies. Nevertheless, she stressed that AI should never be perceived as a substitute for human skills: "AI is not an executor. It's a tool, an aid, but humans must always remain at the heart of the process."
Necessary Caution Regarding AI Risks
On the other hand, Dr. Fares Mseddi warned against certain risks associated with AI use, particularly in prescription and order execution. According to him, great vigilance is necessary, especially in areas where regulatory gaps exist, such as in the case of dietary supplements. "It is essential to exercise caution and vigilance, as AI may sometimes not take into account certain specificities related to lesser-known medications or treatments," he explained.
AI in the Experimental Stage in Mali
Finally, Dr. Souhel Moulaye from Mali presented the situation in his country, where AI is still in an exploratory stage. "Mali has started developing AI-based solutions in various fields, including education, agriculture, health, and governance," he shared. He hailed the progress made in record time, while specifying that many hurdles remain to fully incorporate AI into pharmaceutical practices, particularly in terms of regulation and professional training.
