THE STATUS OF COMMUNITY PHARMACY IN EGYPT: ARE COMMUNITY PHARMACIES READY TO DELIVER CLINICAL PHARMACY SERVICES AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL?

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt

2 School of Pharmacy, University College Cork and Faculty of Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, & Future University, Egypt

Abstract

Pharmacy practice is witnessing considerable changes in concept and practice in Egypt in recent years. Egypt has the highest number of pharmacists per capita and community pharmacies in the Middle East and North Africa region. Literally, all medicines are freely sold without a prescription irrespective of their status as prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs; and the pharmacist plays a key role in recommending basic medicines to the public. Community pharmacies are widely distributed throughout the country and more accessible healthcare facility to the community that offering clinical, diagnostic and public health services. The concept of pharmaceutical care has not also been acknowledged yet at community pharmacies; and most community pharmacies lack computerized systems and modern technologies, as well as lack of qualified pharmacists who could deliver clinical pharmacy services. Despite laws and regulations exist; there is a lack of enforcement of those regulations to ensure good pharmacy practice at community pharmacies. The aim of the review was to describe the current status of community pharmacy in Egypt and their preparedness to deliver clinical pharmacy services.

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