Pharmacists are dynamic, patient-oriented professionals committed to fulfilling the health care needs of their patients. Pharmacy is a profession that is expanding in new directions to meet the health care needs.
There is a movement amongst pharmacists beyond the traditional compounding and dispensing of medication, towards a more professional advisory and primary health care role. Pharmacists can apply their knowledge and skill to become directly involved in the healing and education of patients. The phrase "ask your pharmacist" is becoming increasingly common - and with good reason. Pharmacists form an integral part of the community and serve as an important source of knowledge.
A modern-day pharmacist should be trained in providing the knowledge concerning:
- Optimal drug therapy for patients with a focus on drug interactions and potential side effects
- Counselling on various disease conditions.
- Education and promotion of the general health of the public.
- Information on immunization.
The community/ hospital pharmacist's role is redefined and they should be provided training in various areas of medicine in Indian context. The role of pharmacists in tobacco cessation, counselling of HIV, diabetes patients, special population group and other chronic diseases is very vital.
In Karnataka, the State Pharmacy Council has taken a lead role in training doctors and pharmacists on various issues. The future activity includes the training of pharmacists in HIV counseling, diabetes and other chronic disease conditions. The Pharmacy Council of India has also approved two years course to upgrade diploma pharmacists which is to be implemented shortly. The continuing pharmacy education plays a very vital role in updating the pharmacists in current trends in pharmacy. Efforts are on at the official level to make it mandatory to qualify atleast two continuing education programmes every five years for the registered pharmacists to renew the registration.
Karnataka Pharmacy Council is marching ahead imparting required skills to the pharmacists in achieving total pharmaceutical care.
- (The author is president, Karnataka State Pharmacy Council, Bangalore)