pharmacist

What does a Community Pharmacist do? Their Role and Contributions to Healthcare

By Alpro Pharmacy

August 26, 2024

Key Points:

  • Pharmacists now provide essential healthcare services beyond dispensing medications, including health advice and managing minor illnesses.

  • Alpro Pharmacy prioritizes immediate care for minor ailments and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.

  • Alpro pharmacists are committed to improving health outcomes through personalized advice, early detection, and clear communication, all aimed at community

As a child, I remember the warmth of the pharmacist, who always had a reassuring smile whenever my parents took me to the pharmacy. Little did I know that this kind figure was not just someone behind the counter but a guardian of my health, silently ensuring that my medicines were safe and effective. Fast-forward to today, the role of pharmacists has become even more integral to our communities.

During a recent talk with primary school students, I posed a simple question: “What does a pharmacist do?”

“Someone who gives out medicines!”  

“They are the people wearing white coats behind the counter.”  

“They can recommend a nice gummy that’s also good for my health.”  

“They helped my grandmother check her blood pressure.”

These answers reflect the growing visibility of pharmacists today, a stark contrast to a decade ago. Thanks to advancements in technology and increased media exposure, pharmacists are now recognised as one of the key advocates for health-related matters. Since 1951, there have been 24,883 registered pharmacists working across various sectors, including government clinics, hospitals, community pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, universities, and more. But what exactly do pharmacists do? Do we simply deal with medicines?

Pharmacists are at the heart of community health. A pharmacist in the community further ensures that individuals have easy access to professional health advice, which can often prevent the need for more intensive medical interventions. Recently, the International Pharmacy Federation (FIP) launched a global campaign titled “Think Health, Think Pharmacy.” It signifies the role of pharmacists has expanded over the years, evolving from merely dispensing medicines to offering a broader range of health services and advice. You may have noticed that community pharmacists now provide medication reviews, smoking cessation services, minor illness management, self-care advice, health promotion, and vaccination awareness. In some countries, community pharmacists are even certified as vaccinators.

Ph. Wendy Chan was conducting a medication review service with the patient at one of the events organised by NASAM. 

My recent experience in promoting awareness on safe medicine disposal in a public health event at Saujana Putra. 

If I had to encapsulate the role of pharmacists in one phrase, it would be: "Guardians of medication safety and well-being."

I remember my first hospital attachment at one of the largest hospitals in Negeri Sembilan. There, I met Auntie M, the wife of a patient in the ward I was attached to. Auntie M spent her days sitting beside her husband, who was unconscious, bedridden, and surrounded by oxygen concentrators and tubing.

After a few days, Auntie M spoke to me for the first time. She asked, “When can we go home?” I wasn’t sure—I saw that her husband’s condition was not improving. The case notes written by the doctors indicated that his prognosis was poor. The only words I could muster were, “Things will get better.”

I was wrong. The next day, Auntie M and her husband were no longer in the ward. He had passed away the previous night. That was the last time I saw Auntie M.

This experience with Auntie M underscored for me the crucial role that pharmacists play, not just in hospitals but within our communities, where early intervention and consistent care can make all the difference. I found my answer during my community pharmacy attachment—the key lies in providing quality primary care, where community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to significantly impact people’s lives. By offering early detection, timely referrals, personalised health advice, and comprehensive medication management, community pharmacists can truly improve patient outcomes and support the well-being of our community.

How Alpro Pharmacists Are Taking It a Step Further

At Alpro Pharmacy, we are committed to our mission of creating a healthy and vibrant world. As a community pharmacy, our care extends far beyond dispensing medications—we are deeply invested in the well-being of the communities we serve. One of the most fundamental ways we achieve this is through our Minute Consult service. Minor ailments, such as coughs, colds, headaches, and stomach discomfort, may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on daily life. Left untreated, these conditions can worsen, leading to more serious health issues, increased absenteeism from work or school, and unnecessary strain on healthcare systems.

This is where the role of community pharmacists becomes crucial. By providing immediate and accessible care for minor ailments, we prevent these small problems from becoming larger ones. At Alpro, our pharmacists are dedicated to being the first point of contact for these everyday health issues, offering expert advice, timely interventions, and personalized solutions that help people recover faster and return to their routines. Minute Consult is more than just a service—it embodies the very essence of what community pharmacy stands for: accessible, proactive healthcare that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.

But we don’t stop there. To provide a truly holistic approach to health, we work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals, ensuring our clients receive comprehensive care. Whether it’s coordinating with a doctor for further diagnosis or collaborating with specialists such as dietitians, physiotherapists, or audiologists, our aim is to integrate all aspects of healthcare to provide the best possible outcomes. This interdisciplinary approach allows us to not only address minor ailments effectively but to offer a pathway to improved long-term health for our community.

We believe that addressing minor ailments is not just a responsibility but an opportunity to enhance the quality of life for our clients. By ensuring that these everyday health concerns are managed effectively and promptly, we help reduce the burden on hospitals and clinics while ensuring that individuals stay healthier and happier. At Alpro, we aim to excel in this fundamental service because we understand that even the smallest health issues matter—and that holistic care, supported by collaboration with other professionals, is key to our mission.

Apart from that, our pharmacists go beyond the traditional role by not only providing solutions but also ensuring that our clients fully understand them. We believe that informed clients are empowered to take control of their health. Community pharmacists at Alpro are trained to explain complex medical terms in simple, easy-to-understand language—sometimes, we even draw diagrams to help! Nowadays, you may also receive a printed medicine label through our T-Label system, ensuring all key information about your medication usage is presented in a clear and neat manner. There is so much more we are doing, and there is so much more we can do! From helping you better manage your medications to ensuring you have access to vital information, we’re committed to improving your overall health experience in every way we can.

Ph. Cheng Suk Thien, a pharmacist at Alpro Pharmacy explains cholesterol management to a patient, using visual aids to ensure clear understanding.

We only focus on one thing: providing you with peace of mind through our expertise.

So, the next time you visit your local pharmacy, don’t just pick up your medicines and leave. Take a moment to speak with your pharmacist—ask a question, seek advice, or simply say hello. Your health is our priority, and your engagement helps us continue to provide the best care possible. On this World Pharmacists Day, we invite you to drop by Alpro Pharmacy and experience the difference. Your recognition motivates us to continue our mission of making a positive impact on the health and well-being of our community.

Alpro is not only a destination for healthcare products. Your health is our top priority. Experience the Alpro difference, where your health is our commitment, and your reassurance is our mission.

Explore Free E-Pharmacy Services

Consult our healthcare professionals on Alpro E-Pharmacy if you have any health-related concerns. Alpro E-Pharmacy is specially designed to bring convenience to everyone including those who wish to get 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 or 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 without stepping out from their comfortable home or even hotel. You can even send medications to your loved ones without hassle! Our pharmacists are always ready to assist.

If you need any further help, you are always welcome to use Alpro E-Pharmacy service on Whatsapp or call our hotline 019-7021923

Disclaimer: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your qualified health professional.

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