Challenges in work of pharmacists in a pharmacy, related to changes in regulations, in condition of emergency situation and COVID-19

Abstract

In March 2020, when Covid-19 was declared as a global pandemic, the changes started. One of them was the reorganization of work in the pharmacies and changes in the law regulation. The Pharmacists have faced a number of challenges related to compliance with the dynamically changing legal environment, increased administrative control by institutions, the need to maintain a high level of pharmaceutical care and services, to fulfill new administrative obligations, and also to provide the necessary quantities of drugs, medical devices, food supplements, sanitary and hygienic materials. The set goal is to examine the changes in the regulations which affect the activity of pharmacies in conditions of emergency and Covid 19, on this base, the challenges to the work of pharmacists are analyzed. The research is based on a documentary analysis of the changes in regulatory framework for the period March-July 2020. Thanks to the method for expert assessment, the rules for work in pharmacies, in the conditions of Covid-19, have been systematized. The results demonstrate that the imposed over-control and the often changing requirements by the administration, in the condition of Covid-19, lead to difficulties in the performance of pharmacists official duties. Because of that, they face high risk of making mistakes during their work. There is shifting the focus from pharmaceutical care, to counseling the creation of outpatient care with an emphasys on hygiene measures for Covid-19 prevention and administration In a pandemic, pharmacists have an important role in the public health. They raise citizens awareness of compliance with anti-epidemic measures and restrictions. The Pharmacists are the most accessible health specialists who should monitor, support and control the rational use of drugs.