Benefits for people

• Empowerment and effective health management: Many minor health conditions can be self‑recognised, treated, monitored and resolved using self‑care products. Self‑care empowers individuals to take greater responsibility for their health and wellbeing, improving confidence, autonomy and quality of life.
• Better wellbeing at every stage of life: Self‑care supports wellbeing across the life course, from childhood conditions to pain management and chronic discomfort in older age. It helps manage everyday health needs, improve symptoms and shorten recovery times.
• Accessibility and convenience: The growing range of self‑care products provides people with greater choice in managing their health. Community pharmacies play a central role by offering extended opening hours, easy access and professional advice without the need for an appointment. For many people, self‑care products represent the most accessible and immediate option along the self‑care continuum.

Benefits for society and healthcare systems

• Greater efficiency and reduced pressure: By allowing many health needs to be managed quickly and conveniently, independently or with pharmacist support, self‑care reduces waiting times in doctors’ practices and avoids unnecessary visits to emergency departments.
• Better use of healthcare resources: Self‑care helps relieve pressure on healthcare systems, enabling resources to be focused on patients with complex, chronic or long‑term conditions who require specialised care.
• Lower costs and better return on investment: Self‑care is often the most cost‑effective option for treating minor ailments. Alternatives, such as visiting a doctor, involve higher direct costs and indirect costs, including time off work. Investing in self‑care delivers long‑term savings for governments, healthcare systems and households, while contributing to more sustainable healthcare overall.