THE ROLE OF PHARMACISTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHARMACY PRACTICE
Keywords:
pharmacist, pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical care, healthcare system, professional developmentAbstract
The pharmacy profession has undergone significant evolution over the past decades, shifting from its traditional role focused on the preparation and dispensing of medicines to a comprehensive, patient-centered model of healthcare. Today, pharmacists play a vital role in the rational use of medicines, monitoring pharmacotherapy, preventing adverse drug reactions, educating patients, and promoting public health. In the Republic of North Macedonia, the development of pharmacy practice has been shaped by changes in legislative regulations, healthcare system reforms, continuous professional education, and alignment with European standards. However, several challenges remain, including the insufficient integration of pharmacists into multidisciplinary healthcare teams, limited opportunities for the development of clinical pharmacy services, and the ongoing need to enhance professional knowledge and skills through continuous education.
The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of pharmacists in the development of modern pharmacy practice, with particular emphasis on the current situation in the Republic of North Macedonia, and to identify the opportunities and challenges for further improving the quality of pharmaceutical services and healthcare delivery to the population. As part of the research, a survey was conducted via Google Forms among pharmacists employed in various sectors, and the collected data was statistically processed and analyzed in order to obtain relevant results regarding the role of pharmacists in modern pharmaceutical practice
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