They have asked the government to include them in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke
The role of your neighbourhood pharmacist may soon be more than that of just dispensing medicines. In keeping with global best practices, the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) has asked the Centre to include practicing pharmacists in primary care and disease management. They have asked the government to include them in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).
“Globally, team-based healthcare is gaining importance. Pharmacists are the first point of contact for the patients and can positively influence their healthcare behaviour. In India with illiteracy, poverty and lack of health literacy, pharmacists have tremendous scope to contribute to the improvement of public health,” said IPA vice-president Manjiri Gharat.
There are about seven lakh chemist shops in India. Practicing pharmacists can be involved in the community awareness programmes. This includes distribution of informative posters and leaflets, counselling of patients for lifestyle modification, about medication side effects and follow up on check-ups.
They can also be roped in counselling and providing tools for diabetics.
This could help in adherence to regular medication and monitoring of treatment.
The IPA suggested that pharmacists can be engaged in screening services to increase early detection of undiagnosed diabetes cases and monitoring the glycemic control (Glycemic control is a medical term referring to the typical levels of blood sugar (glucose) in a person with diabetes mellitus) of known diabetics. Pharmacists can counsel pre-diabetics and other high risk patients for prevention of diabetes and also monitor and counsel TB patients for diabetes checks.
Gharat said pharmacists, as a practice receive basic education about the non-communicable diseases and the pharmacology of the medicines. They can undergo short-term training to refresh and update their knowledge. “Pharmacists can also strengthen government’s efforts to build awareness about prevention and management of diabetes and other diseases through mobile apps, SMS, helplines and media releases,” Gharat said.
HEALTH IS WEALTH
There are seven lakh chemist shops across the country. Pharmacists could help the government bring awareness about prevention and management of diabetes via mobile apps, SMS, helplines and media releases
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