Valencian Pharmacists Association
The Valencian Pharmacists Association (Muy Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Farmacéuticos de Valencia, MICOF) is an institution whose purpose is the training and regulation of the pharmaceutical profession. In collaboration with the Universitat de València, the MICOF–UV Chair for the Rational Use of Medicines has been established with the objective of promoting research and the appropriate use of medicines.
History
The MICOF, established on 20 March 1441 by Queen Maria of Aragon and Sicily, is the oldest pharmacists association in the world. Since its inception, the MICOF has assumed a pioneering role in the regulation of the pharmaceutical profession, establishing compulsory membership and regulating the opening of new pharmacies and official fees. In 1603, Valencian pharmacists published the first Royal Spanish Pharmacopoeia, a detailed compendium on the preparation and dispensing of medicines at the time. Throughout its history, the MICOF has received significant recognition, including the title of Muy Ilustre in 1916 and the Gran Cruz de la Orden Civil de Sanidad in 1983.
The MICOF has demonstrated a noteworthy capacity for adaptation and evolution, keeping up with social and technological changes. In 2009, a new headquarters was established in the Paterna Technology Park to better meet the training needs of its members. The MICOF has a history of over 500 years and remains committed to excellence in pharmacy practice and continuing education. This ensures that pharmacists in Valencia are equipped with the necessary knowledge to provide a high-quality service.
Services
The MICOF offers a comprehensive range of services, including services to the public, membership processes, benefits for members, advice on opening pharmacies, insurance through the Agrupación Mutual Aseguradora (AMA), various consultancy services (legal, tax, labour and technical), inspection and ethics supervision, scientific information through the Spanish Medicine Information Centre (CIM), professional pharmaceutical care services, management of the association’s archives, a job bank, a data protection service and a notice board for relevant announcements and events.
Training
Training represents a fundamental instrument and a cornerstone of MICOF’s strategies for transformation and modernisation. The objective is to become a leading provider of training within the sector. To this end, MICOF offers high-quality training adapted to the current needs and demands of its members.
