Community Pharmacy Practice in Pakistan : from Past to Present

Pharmacy services in Pakistan have experienced both evolutionary and revolutionary changes since 1947. With time the pharmacists interest increased at community level but the quality of services are still not up to the mark. While in comparison with the developed countries like U.K and U.S.A, where community pharmacists are expanding patient care services and have enhanced their role as pharmaceutical care providers, the pharmacy profession in Pakistan is continuously evolving. This study is carried out to explore history for evolutionary and revolutionary changes in community pharmacy practice in Pakistan and to highlight the current scenario in Pakistan. The aim of this research work is to bring forward the ground realities and to analyze the factors that can overcome the barriers thus making community pharmacy practice in Pakistan a success. The healthcare services in community pharmacies, currently insignificant, must undergo reforms to meet the changing needs of modern medicines users. Although pharmacists' contributions to health care are not recognized yet, there is every reason to be optimistic toward making patient care in community pharmacy setting a success.