Evolutionary role of the community pharmacist: A review

Abstract

Pharmacy is a science related to the preparing and dispensing of drugs. In the past pharmacist, only dispense the medicines.
With the passage of time, pharmacists gained his position in multidisciplinary provision of health-care system (HCS). In 1948,
in Pakistan, pharmacy course was introduced in universities. After attaining main position in HCS, pharmacist started work
as community pharmacist, clinical pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, and many others in different settings. In past decades, in
many countries, pharmacist’s role has changed from dispensing services into patient-oriented services. In developing countries,
community pharmacists are facing some problems such as lack of great quality pharmaceuticals, drug regulatory structure, and
irrational use of medicine and not trained according to their roles. There is less number of community pharmacists which are not
according to the WHO criteria. Now roles of pharmacists are going strengthened and extended effectively. Role of community
pharmacist has evolved like now they are involved in treating diseases, managing chronic diseases, immunization programs,
initiating drug therapy in the pharmacy, providing medicines and advice without appointment, and focused services are provided
to decrease adverse events to patients health. In future, pharmacist’s role and job responsibilities will be increased which result
in enhanced quality of care and control health-care cost.