Chapter 5 - Role of Pharmacy Education in the Advancement of Pharmacy Practice: An Eastern Perspective

Abstract

The quality of education and the standards of pharmacy practice are the key factors for recognition of the profession of pharmacy. The profession of pharmacy is evolving all over the world from product-focused to patient-focused. The concept of clinical pharmacy practice in the Eastern world is relatively new; however, it has been welcomed and adapted by several eastern countries. The implementation of pharmaceutical care is in progress and advancement in pharmacy education in these countries is driving the profession toward excellence in practice, research, and innovations by providing healthcare services to society. Introduction of PharmD programs, advancement in clinical pharmacy services, and collaboration with pharmacy institutions from the Western countries helped the profession to achieve its goal in some of the Eastern countries. However, in many Eastern countries the pharmacy profession still lacks a well-designed curriculum, the necessary infrastructure, and appropriate professional and clinical training.