–on World Pharmacist Day

TODAY, September 25, 2022 is designated World Pharmacist Day. On this day, the achievements and contributions of pharmacists worldwide are celebrated. It must be noted that in Guyana, the first person to be inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine was a pharmacist, leading from the forefront, at a time when there was peak vaccine hesitancy.

Pharmacists play an integral part in the healthcare team and, at this time, it is important to recognise the transitory roles played in the evolution of the profession of pharmacy.
In the earlier days, pharmacists played the role of the apothecary, compounding preparations when pharmaceutical products were not readily available in the various formulations and strengths. The pharmacist, more commonly known then as the druggist or dispenser, had a limited role to compound, titrate, attach labels and dispense to the patient. Over the years, as the pharmaceutical industry advanced, the focus transitioned from products to patient, simultaneously moving from industry to information.

Prior to 1970, the use of computers were highly unpopular so patient’s prescription records were filed manually. But with today’s technological advancement, numerous available medical software programmes create a win-win for both patients and pharmacists since the patient’s medication history could be quickly retrieved for evaluations simultaneously freeing up valuable time to maximise usage of the pharmacist skillset. The training for pharmacists were upgraded to transition in the next decades.

So, from 1980 to 2009, significant focus was placed on pharmaceutical care, where the pharmacist was tasked to reduce drug related morbidity and mortality through their evaluations. Direct value-added benefit for prescription reviews was observed where associated cost savings were noted by reducing hospital readmissions and preventing adverse reactions. Pharmaceutical care was demanded in polypharmacy, where multiple drugs are prescribed to one patient, usually the elderly, for various ailments.

This may cause drug interactions thus not impacting significantly on therapeutic outcomes. The concept of optimal drug use which minimises adverse effects and negates drug interactions for enhanced therapeutic outcomes will soon become the universal output for pharmacists, enhancing the quality of life for patients. Hence, a patient-centered practice has been developed. The pharmacist was able to get compliance from patients by developing trust and maintaining patient confidentiality throughout the process.

From 2010 to present day, emphasis was on post pharmaceutical care and the pharmacists were trained to not only provide screening checks for blood pressure and blood sugar but give guidance on self-checks. Demonstrations on how to appropriately use the sphygmomanometer and glucometer and how to interpret readings attained are empowering for the patients.

Patient education and patient care are the hallmark in healthcare which is reinforced usually at the last stop in the chain of healthcare workers, the pharmacist, who has the freedom to spend extra time outside the barriers of appointments and consultation charges currently in our country. It must be noted that in some Caribbean countries appointments and consultation charges have been instituted for these invaluable services.

At the dawn of the pandemic, we recognised the importance of pharmacists from the lines at the drug stores to stock up on supplies for masks, sanitisers, vitamins and other over-the-counter preparations. Pharmacists were the go-to resource when in doubt and overseas pharmacists were the frontline healthcare worker to be actively involved in vaccination of the Covid-19 shot.

Since 2020, there has been a movement led by the United States to advance the scope of work for pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians to include administration of vaccines from the flu shot to 10 additional ones to patients from age three years and up. The updated laws regarding the practice of pharmacy goes hand in glove with the continuing education sessions and the prerequisite certified training.

Pharmacists’ contributions locally are in the regulatory sector, retail or community pharmacy, hospital and in the industrial; only two privately owned manufacturing companies exists in the latter.
The efforts by pharmacists in research internationally are also noted. In some hospitals the new concept of clinical pharmacy places the pharmacist on team to proactively address drug related concerns instead of combating a problem after the fact. In some forward thinking counties, pharmacists are allowed to legally prescribe schedule One drugs only and OTC for minor ailments including skin problems, cold sores, thrush, allergic rhinitis, dysmenorrhea, oral contraception and hemorrhoids.

In Guyana the practice of the profession is guided by the Code of Ethics and the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. Regulatory matters are governed by the Pharmacy Council whilst the Pharmacists Association’s mandate is to standardise the practice of pharmacy and act as an advocate for pharmacists. Good governance of the pharmaceutical services provided must have accountability and integrity at the core.

Segregation of duties, shared governance and avoidance of conflict of interest from wearing multiple hats or playing musical chairs will propel the profession. Like every progressive administrative body new office holders should be named every term.

Lessons learnt and the transfer of invaluable institutional knowledge by senior pharmacists will propel the profession when combined with the high energies and dedication of willing junior pharmacists. Evolution and continuity is fostered when fresh views, high energies and synergies come together to create impressionable waves of change. May the noble profession of pharmacy continue to be of service to humanity!

For further pharmacological guidance, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express Pharmacy located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.