EVOLVING SCENARIO OF PHARMACEUTICAL CARE IN PAKISTAN AND OTHER COUNTRIES: HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE.

Worldwide, pharmaceutical care has been recognized as the primary mission of pharmacy. According to the philosophy of pharmaceutical care, pharmacist is not only responsible to dispense the medicines but also responsible to improve the patient's quality of life. Pharmaceutical care practice is required to be introduced in the developing countries to decrease drug related mortality and morbidity. This paper aimed to highlight the quality of pharmaceutical care practice in the developing countries, predominantly in Pakistan. The paper highlights the health status and current scenario and barriers to pharmaceutical care practice in Pakistan. Pharmacists in Pakistan are not much involved in the provision of pharmaceutical care services due to a number of barriers that include insufficient number of pharmacists, lack of proper time, inadequate skills and training, lack of fmancial support and limited recognition of pharmacists in the public. A majority of community pharmacies are running without a pharmacist under the supervision of unprofessional personnel.