We all are aware of the fundamental mechanism of Darwinian evolution: some species are better suited in the environment and thus replicate more. It is a substantial explanation of how biological systems change over time. And in the word 'system' lies the clue how a theory of biological origin be used in the domain of management science. The question now is how is this theory applied to pharma? Well, we pick up ideas from one situation and transplant them into other context. And that is basically what pharmacy is. It is a health profession that links health sciences with chemical sciences and aims to ensure the safe and effective use of drugs. With changing times and needs, evolves the pharma sector.

When people think of a community pharmacist they often think of a person putting pills from a big bottle into a small bottle, putting a label on the bottle and giving it to a pharmacy technician to hand to a patient. However things have changed. Required education for a pharmacist has gone from a 4 year Bachelor of Science degree to a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree that requires 6 to 8 years to complete. The increase in education has resulted in a greater emphasis on learning about the appropriate application of drug use in various disease states and practical application through clinical experiences in healthcare settings. That means that pharmacists are equipped to, review patients' medication regimens, teach individuals how to use their medicines safely and effectively, and collaborate with the patients' other healthcare providers to prevent harmful drug interactions. Some pharmacists operate clinics that address special medication issues, such as how to safely use anticoagulation drugs, and offer advice on how to manage chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure and diabetes. Community pharmacists also take part in health promotion campaigns in their communities on a wide range of topics, including tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse, drug use during pregnancy and poison prevention.

Thus with this pace of changes it won't be wrong to say that over the next 40 years pharmacists will not only dispense medications but will also provide patient-centred, individualized pharmaceutical services. With more available time, pharmacists will have to prove their value within the setting, and provider status will allow for payment to occur. Pharmacists will perform medication therapy management (MTM) services, and hold anticoagulation clinics and diabetes clinics.

Lastly, I would conclude by saying that, with the snowballing demand for health care services by the increasing population and shortage of physicians, something will have to change. Pharmacists could be that defining factor for many companies and patients; however, we need to make our services and value known. We have a vast array of knowledge that needs to be used at the “top of our degree.”How will pharmacy practice evolve to meet the needs of the 21st-century health care system? That is up to us, and if we don't take measures to define it in our terms, somebody may define it for us. So let's start contributing to the present to make a better future.

Kinnari Arte

T. Y. B. Pharm

Tags: MET Institute of Pharmacy