Pharmacy is the science and practice which teach us safe and effective use of medicines. A person qualified in pharmacy called as pharmacist. In this article we will see what is the pharmacy, its history and types.
What is the Pharmacy
Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medications aiming to ensure this safe effective and affordable use of medicines it is a miscellaneous science as it links Health Sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences.
History of Pharmacy Profession in India
The word pharmacy originated from the Greek word PHARMAKON. The history of pharmacist profession in India starts with opening of chemist shop in 1811 by Scotch M Bathgate in Kolkata. This was probably the beginning of pharmacy profession in India.
In 1874, two years regular diploma course for “chemist & druggist” was started by Madras medical college, Chennai. Regular degree course in pharmacy was started at BHU under the leadership of Prof. M.L. Shroff, in 1937-38, who is also known as father of Indian Pharmacy education. In 1940 Prof. Shroff introduced M. pharm at BHU Varanasi.
The first pharmaceutical industry was established by Acharya P.C. Ray at Calcutta named as Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works, in 1901.
Types of Pharmacy
- Community Pharmacy
- Hospital Pharmacy
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Industrial Pharmacy
- Compounding Pharmacy
- Consulting Pharmacy
- Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
Community Pharmacy
The community pharmacy is the most well-known type of pharmacy also known as the retail pharmacy. Community pharmacy is under the direct supervision of the pharmacist where compounding and dispensing. There are two types of community pharmacy- i) Independent community pharmacy and ii) Chain community pharmacy.
Hospital Pharmacy
Hospital Pharmacy is the practice of pharmacy within the hospital. Hospital pharmacist works with other health professionals of hospital to provide correct medication to the inpatient and outpatient of hospital.
Clinical Pharmacy
The clinical pharmacy goes beyond the traditional dispensing role of pharmacists. It focusing on patient specific consideration such as drug interactions, individual response to the specific medications. The clinical pharmacy ensures the optimal use of medications. The clinical pharmacist actively participates in patient rounds in hospital, it helps to improve the drug safety and efficacy.
Industrial Pharmacy
Industrial pharmacy involves the application of pharmaceutical sciences in the research, development, manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance, packaging and sale of the goods.
Compounding Pharmacy
Compounding pharmacy is the branch of pharmacy which involves the compounding of customized medications for individual patients. This branch of pharmacy is currently not in use in pharmacy practice. This branch evolved over the time, now pharmacists dispense the packed medications.
Consulting Pharmacy
Consulting pharmacy is the new branch of pharmacy. The pharmacist working in this pharmacy is also known as consultant pharmacist. It focuses on theoretical review of medications rather than dispensing medicines.
Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
Ambulatory pharmacy is a mobile service where pharmacist meet the patients at their door step. It reduces repeated hospital visits of geriatric patients.
Summary
The pharmacy and the role of pharmacists is extending beyond the traditional role of pharmacist. The new branches of pharmacy like clinical pharmacy, consulting pharmacy are more focusing on safe and effective medication. Pharmacists are playing an integral role in patient care, medication management and public health initiative.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pharmacy?
Pharmacy is the field of healthcare that involves the preparation, dispensing and management of medications to ensure safe and effective use of medication.
What are the types of Pharmacy?
- Community Pharmacy
- Hospital Pharmacy
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Industrial Pharmacy
- Compounding Pharmacy
- Consulting Pharmacy
- Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
Who is the father of Indian pharmacy?
Mahadeva Lal Schroff is the father of Indian pharmacy.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacy
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