Integrating Pharmacists into Public Health Initiatives: Challenges and Opportunities in India

Abstract

Since most people can visit pharmacies easily and don't need an appointment, they are naturally regarded as the primary choice for healthcare professionals in society. Pharmacists have the potential to be an important link in the global healthcare system. Since not everyone is served by public health services, pharmacies and private healthcare providers can play a significant role in the healthcare system. This also applies to the nation of India, which is inhabited by almost 1.3 billion people. The majority of India's chemists, both in the public and commercial sectors, are underutilised resources despite their extensive presence. The purpose of this study was to assess the emphasis on patient care and public health in pharmacy education, as well as the participation of pharmacists in national public health programmes (NPHPs) in India. The aim of the research was to ascertain the extent to which pharmacist education may aid in this transition and the locations where pharmacists could participate more actively in national public health campaigns. The public health and patient care components of the pharmacy curriculum in India are being evaluated for the first time with this study. It will be helpful to statutory organisations and curriculum reform committees in India and other countries where the functions of chemists are expanding to include public health and patient care.