It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we must announce the passing of our leader, colleague and friend, FIP CEO Mr A.J.M. (Ton) Hoek. Mr Hoek passed away this Saturday July 28th after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Mr Hoek took the helm of FIP in 1999 and since that time brought the Federation to entirely new levels of development and accomplishments, especially in solidifying key global partnerships like that with the World Health Organization (WHO) and in incorporating FIP as a Founding Partner in the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA). His efforts in extending FIP’s outreach and impact not only elevated FIP to the position of an influential global stakeholder in medicines and health, but raised the image of the pharmacist as a healthcare provider around the world. Mr Ton Hoek was named an Officer in Order of Orange-Nassau, a royal declaration bestowed by the Queen of the Netherlands.
The culmination of Mr Hoek’s vision comprises the events that will take place at the upcoming FIP Centennial Congress, including a Ministers Summit on The Responsible Use of Medicines, organised by the Dutch Ministry of Health. This dream had been in the making for many years and will be realised to its fullest potential thanks to his efforts.