Role Of Pharmacists In Pakistan’s Healthcare System: A Qualitative And Quantitative Assessment Of Perspectives Among Healthcare Professionals And General Public
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Date
2011
Authors
Azhar, Saira
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
In the last decade, pharmacy profession had transformed tremendously in terms of health
and pharmaceutical service provision to both patients and general population. Within
this practice transformation, pharmacists, especially those in developed countries, now
occupy a respectable position within the healthcare system. In contrast, services and
expertise offered by pharmacists in developing countries are still underutilized, and their
role as healthcare professionals is not deemed to be important either by the community
or by other healthcare providers, especially doctors and nurses.
In order to explore the current perspectives of different stakeholders regarding the role
of pharmacists in the context of a developing country, a systematic research is needed
for evidence generation. For this purpose, Pakistan was chosen as a study site. Pakistan
is the sixth most populous country of the world, with a population of approximately 160
millions with an average growth rate of 7% over the past five years. The Pakistan
Ministry of Health is responsible for all matters concerning national planning and
coordination in the field of health. An extensive literature review exploring issues
concerning the pharmacy workforce in Pakistan failed to reveal any studies which aimed
to highlight the perspectives of different stakeholders, healthcare providers and general
public regarding the role of pharmacists.
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Keywords
Pharmacists In Pakistan’s Healthcare System , A Qualitative And Quantitative Assessment