ISLAMABAD: To establish consistent and high-quality pharmacy services at both public and private hospitals throughout the country, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), which is in the process of formulating guidelines for hospital pharmacies, has invited feedback from the public and other stakeholders.
This initiative is ultimately aimed at enhancing the overall healthcare system and improving patient outcomes.
According to Drap, the proposed guidelines cover four key areas related to hospital pharmacy operations. Firstly, it includes aspects such as organizational structure, staffing, resources, policies, and procedures involved in managing medications—from procurement and storage to dispensing and monitoring.
Secondly, the guidelines focus on medicine use management, emphasising the optimisation of medicines use within hospitals. This involves procedures for medication reconciliation, identification of potential issues, and implementation of strategies to enhance medicines effectiveness while preventing drug-related harm.
The guidelines also address quality improvement practices, outlining procedures for assessing the effectiveness of hospital pharmacy services, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.
Lastly, human resources development is highlighted as a crucial aspect to ensure a competent and skilled pharmacy workforce.
The guidelines encompass training and development programmes for all pharmacy personnel, ranging from pharmacists to technicians. However, the health regulator has not provided a specific timeline for the implementation of these proposals.
Drap encourages the public, healthcare professionals, and the community to review the guidelines and contribute their thoughts and suggestions to shape the final document in a manner that aligns with the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.