A community pharmacy is usually an important part of the primary healthcare system. You can find a community pharmacy in every part of the world, from large cities to rural towns and streets. Community pharmacies may be sometimes called ‘ Retail pharmacy’, ‘Chemist shop’, ‘ Local drug store’ and many other names depending on different regions. Community pharmacy is the most accessible health service accessible in a community. It is more important in some developing countries where accessing a hospital or doctor is difficult and costly.
So what is a Community pharmacy..?
A Community pharmacy is a healthcare facility that procure, stores and distributes medicines and provides other pharmaceutical and cognitive services to a specific community.
Read more: what is a pharmacist
Important functions of a Community pharmacy
- A community pharmacist understands the specific needs of medicines and other pharmaceutical products for a specific region and procure that from genuine sources
- They store medicines according to the specifications given by the manufacturer. All the medicines are not stored in same storage condition a community pharmacist will be aware all storage requirements and stability issues of every medicines
- Dispense medicines based on the prescriptions. Dispensing medicines involve following steps
- Collect prescriptions and check for completeness of it based on the laws regarding that region
- Check for any incompatibility and drug interactions and also consider health conditions of the patient
- Dispense medicines by writing down specific directions provided by prescriber
- Provide required advises related to medicines, dosages and expected side effects
- Inform about other dietary and lifestyle changes needed during treatment period
- A community pharmacy appoints a competent and experienced staff for helping customers to select best over the counter medications and to clear any doubts related to medicines and health related issues
- Collects unwanted medicines from customers and dispose properly
- Some pharmacies provide other facilities like blood pressure monitoring, some vaccinations etc
As compared to hospitals and other healthcare facilities Pharmacies require less investments so one can start a pharmacy in any place. This makes customers access pharmacy services even in rural areas.
A pharmacy is a trusted institution in a community so that people prefer purchasing cosmetics, baby products and other consumer products because they expect the best quality products there
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