Community Pharmacy Hub
Community Pharmacy Unit 1 Notes – Definition, History and Development
By Arvind Sharma, B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Assistant Professor, MUIT
A2G ACADEMY
Smart Pharmacy Notes
Smart Pharmacy Notes
Community Pharmacy Unit 1 Notes – Definition, History and Development
Introduction
These notes cover Definition, History and Development of Community Pharmacy according to D.Pharm syllabus.
These notes are useful for:
- D.Pharm semester exams
- Viva preparation
- Pharmacist exams
Topics Covered
- Definition of Community Pharmacy
- History and Development
- International Scenario
- Indian Scenario
- Organization of Community Pharmacy
- Role of Community Pharmacist
- Functions of Community Pharmacy
- Qualification and Skills
- Prescription Handling
- OTC Medicines
- Advantages
- Challenges
- Future Scope
Definition of Community Pharmacy
Community pharmacy is the branch of pharmacy that deals with supply of medicines and pharmaceutical services to the general public.
- It is also called retail pharmacy.
- Community pharmacy is the most accessible healthcare service.
According to WHO: Community pharmacy provides medicines and pharmaceutical care to improve patient health.
Importance of Community Pharmacy
- First contact for healthcare
- Provides prescription medicines
- Provides OTC medicines
- Provides counseling
- Connects doctor and patient
History and Development
Ancient Period
- Medicines prepared by herbalists.
- Plants and minerals used.
Medieval Period
- Apothecaries prepared medicines.
- Early form of pharmacists.
Modern Period
- Pharmacy became separate profession.
- Retail pharmacies developed.
International Scenario
United States
- Vaccination services
- Disease monitoring
- Medication therapy
United Kingdom
- Medicines Use Review
- Vaccination services
- Health programs
Canada
- Prescription renewal
- Vaccination
- Disease monitoring
Australia
- Public health programs
- Immunization programs
WHO Guidelines
- Good Pharmacy Practice
- Essential Drug Concept
- Pharmaceutical Care
Indian Scenario
Historical Development
- 1811 First chemist shop in Kolkata
- 1860 Pharmacy education started
- 1940 Drugs and Cosmetics Act
- 1948 Pharmacy Act
- 2008 Pharm.D introduced
Current Status
- Minimum qualification D.Pharm
- Registered pharmacist required
Types
- Independent pharmacies
- Chain pharmacies
- Online pharmacies
Services
- Dispensing medicines
- Basic counseling
- Blood pressure check
- Blood sugar check
Challenges
- Sale without prescription
- Rural shortage
- Low recognition
- Unqualified persons
Positive Developments
- Online pharmacies
- Telepharmacy
- Health programs
Organization of Community Pharmacy
Types
- Independent pharmacies
- Chain pharmacies
- Hospital pharmacies
- Cooperative pharmacies
Layout
- Dispensing counter
- Prescription area
- Storage area
- Refrigerator
- Counseling area
Role of Community Pharmacist
Professional Role
- Dispensing medicines
- Checking dose
- Providing information
Legal Role
- Dispensing by prescription
- Maintaining records
Ethical Role
- Patient confidentiality
- Honest service
Public Health Role
- Health education
- Vaccination
Functions of Community Pharmacy
- Dispensing medicines
- Compounding medicines
- Patient counseling
- Drug information
- Health promotion
- Referral services
- Record keeping
Qualification
Diploma in Pharmacy or B.Pharm
Registered pharmacist required
Skills Required
- Drug knowledge
- Communication skills
- Management skills
- Legal knowledge
- Computer skills
Prescription Handling
Receiving prescription
Checking prescription
Preparing medicines
Labeling
Counseling
Recording
OTC Medicines
Definition
OTC drugs are medicines sold without prescription.
Examples
- Paracetamol
- Antacids
- Vitamins
- Cough syrups
Role of Pharmacist
- Guide use
- Prevent misuse
- Explain dose
Advantages
- Easy access
- Low cost treatment
- Trust of patients
- Reduces hospital visits
Challenges
- Self medication
- Lack of counseling
- Unqualified sellers
- Low recognition
Future Scope
- Clinical pharmacy services
- Telepharmacy
- Vaccination services
- Health programs
Important Points for Exams
- Community pharmacy is retail pharmacy.
- Pharmacist connects doctor and patient.
- WHO promotes Good Pharmacy Practice.
- D.Pharm is minimum qualification.
- OTC drugs do not require prescription.
Complete Community Pharmacy Notes
Keywords
- Community Pharmacy Notes
- D Pharm Community Pharmacy Notes
- Community Pharmacy Unit 1 Notes
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