Unlocking the Potential of Pharmacists for a Healthier India - Manjiri Gharat

Today, the world faces several complex and interconnected health challenges — ranging from access to care and antimicrobial resistance to climate change. Financial instability, wars, and political unrest make these challenges even more daunting. In such a scenario, building strong, sustainable health systems is more critical than ever.

Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for the community, with over 8 to 9 lakh community pharmacies (commonly known as chemists or medical shops) across India. Yet, with a few exceptions, the main activity in most pharmacies today is simply the sale of medicines. Pharmacies are often regarded as just another shop, and pharmacists are frequently viewed as traders. Due to weak enforcement of Drug laws, in some pharmacies even registered pharmacist is not present.

This stands in stark contrast to the global scenario. In many countries, pharmacists are recognized as healthcare professionals and play a vital role as a bridge between patients and doctors. Community pharmacies worldwide provide drug-use reviews, clinical assessments, medication counseling, adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring, de-addiction services, health promotion, and even vaccination. They are seen as an integral part of the health system, sharing its burden and serving as a pillar of primary healthcare. Both WHO and OECD emphasize the importance of pharmacists as healthcare professionals.

In India, the transformation of pharmacy practice is an urgent need. Expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists — backed by appropriate education, training, legal reforms, and a supportive policy framework — is crucial to enable this change. Equally important is consumer awareness so that people know the range of services they can expect from their pharmacies.

India faces an ageing population, a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), rampant self-medication, irrational medicine use, and poor health literacy. In this context, strengthening pharmacists and pharmacy practice is essential to improve public health outcomes. Whenever pharmacists have been appropriately trained, they have delivered exemplary public health services.

For example, trained pharmacists engaged in the Revised National TB Control Programme under an Indian Pharmaceutical Association(IPA) initiative became extended arms of the government’s health system. They dispensed DOTS medicines, monitored patient adherence, and conducted community awareness campaigns on TB. This public-private partnership is an excellent demonstration of pharmacists’ potential in public health.

Another noteworthy example is Project CONCERN by AIDCOC, where trained pharmacists improved medication adherence and successfully enhanced glycemic and blood pressure control among patients.

These examples highlight a crucial truth: investing in pharmacists is an investment in a healthier future. To achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and last-mile healthcare delivery, pharmacists are MUST. There is a need to have a national framework of community pharmacy services, including services for common ailments, NCDs etc.

I urge policymakers and all stakeholders to pay urgent attention to the pharmacy sector. Together, let us unlock the full potential of pharmacists and bridge this missing link in India’s healthcare system — for the benefit of society and the health of our nation.

Wishing all pharmacy professionals a happy World Pharmacist Day, which is celebrated on 25^th September of each year, and this year the theme, given by FIP is “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”, which is not just a theme, but is a call to action to work towards the comprehensive role of the pharmacist in the healthcare system.