Today, September 25, the world is celebrating World Pharmacist Day with the slogan “Think Health, Think Pharmacists.” Firstly, I would like to thank and congratulate all the pharmacists around the world for their dedication to patient care as a part of the health system.In the context of our country, when we think of a pharmacist, what
comes to mind? For many, it’s the friendly professional at the local drugstore, carefully counting out pills and handing you a prescription. Still, there are many pharmacies running without pharmacists, and different hospital pharmacies are owned by people from non-pharmacy backgrounds. In such a scenario, different problems may occur, such as issues with the availability of quality products, cold chain management of pharmaceuticals, smooth inventory management, inappropriate dispensing techniques, and many more.
To address such issues, the Government of Nepal, along with different stakeholders and organizations, should work hand in hand to strengthen the health system of Nepal by recognizing the contributions of pharmacists working in different sectors.
Hospital Pharmacy is a specialized branch of pharmacy where medications are managed within healthcare institutions like hospitals and clinics. Here, we don’t just hand over pills to patients—we work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and effective medication therapy during their stay. Every year on World Pharmacist Day, September 25, we reflect on the vital role pharmacists play in the healthcare team.
As a clinical pharmacist working in a hospital, I want to pull back the curtain on another essential role we play—one that happens behind the scenes in hospitals, where we are integral members of the healthcare team. As clinical pharmacists, we are medication experts, but our role goes far beyond dispensing. We are integral members of multidisciplinary teams, actively participating in patient care rounds, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and drug and therapeutic committees. We are directly involved in treatment planning, educating other healthcare professionals on medication administration and use, and designing protocols and policies for rational drug use.
The value of pharmacists, especially in hospitals, has never been clearer. Different studies across the world have shown that the involvement of pharmacists in patient care reduces medication errors, decreases hospital readmissions, and improves clinical outcomes. In the context of our country, we must also work together on capacity-building trainings for pharmacists working in different sectors. Especially in today’s era of increasing complexity in medical treatments, polypharmacy, and the growing use of food supplements as part of prescriptions, our role is vital in navigating these challenges safely and effectively.
On World Pharmacist Day: A Message to Patients and Healthcare Professionals
To our patients: We are here for you. Every medicine you receive in the hospital is carefully reviewed by a hospital pharmacist to make sure it is safe, appropriate, and effective for your condition.
To our healthcare colleagues: We are your partners, sharing a common goal of delivering the highest standard of care. We are always here to collaborate, support, and improve outcomes together.
-(Geeta Shrestha is a Clinical Pharmacist and a member of the Pharmacy Association of Nepal.)
