The Tamil Nadu chapter of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) has demanded to the government of Tamil Nadu that the pharmacists should also be engaged in the various national health programmes being implemented in the state.

In the various national health programmes of the country like HIV disease management, disaster management, TB control, control of vector borne diseases, de-addiction services, etc. a broader role has to be specified in all aspects of the patient care for the qualified pharmacists, in addition to patient counselling and dispensing of drugs.

Making a strong plea to this effect, TN IPA secretary J Jayaseelan, in his keynote address on the subject ‘Pharmacists in Public Health’, informed the state health secretary that the potential of the pharmacists is not well utilized anywhere in the country. The state health secretary was present on the dais at the meeting and he agreed to do his maximum with the government’s support.

Admitting that doctors are the final judges of disease management, the IPA leader said the pharmacists are the persons who know all about drugs, from their invention to dispensing. The only subject dealing with drugs and their management is pharmacy. Those who have completed the courses are experts on drugs and therapeutic goals, their actions, uses, formulation, adverse effects and drug interactions. They can invent, formulate, manufacture, control the quality, regulate, market and dispense the drugs.

“As per WHO assessment, it is estimated that annually around 330,000 Indians die due to TB. The nature of pharmacy profession offers an excellent opportunity to become advocates for TB control, easy access for patients to government’s free anti-TB medicines, rational use of anti-TB medicines and patient counselling and education. But, unfortunately the role of pharmacists remains unclear in national health programmes,” Jayaseelan regretted.

He reminded the audience that on April 27, 2012, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Central TB Division and IPA, supported by AIOCD, PCI and SEARPharm Forum for inclusion of pharmacists in RNTCP (National TB Programme). It was a historic development for the profession.

He suggested that if the pharmacists are also involved in the national programs, they can help in development of policies to promote responsible use of medicines, participate in national health programs, emergency planning and infectious disease control. Further they will work with partners to maximize outcomes from medicines usage and reduce harm by promoting responsible use of medicines. They can also liaise with academic institutes to develop the contribution of pharmacists to public health and identify significant safety issues for patients and the public through surveillance and reporting processes for adverse events associated with prescribing and dispensing activities. The drug experts can also provide various value added services like BP check, blood glucose check, height and weight check, BMI, etc.

In India, there are around 10 lakh pharmacists working in various positions, applying their unique knowledge and skills, contributing to the health of the nation. WHO recommends a ratio of one pharmacist per 2000 population for optimal health care delivery.