Transformation of the pharmacy profession in Pakistan: A mixed-method study based on FIP development goals

Authors

  • Muhammad Atif Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  • Rabia Mehboob Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  • Iram Malik Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  • Yaser Mohammed Al-Worafi University of Science and Technology of Fujairah, Fujariah, United Arab Emirates
  • Wajiha Razzaq Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  • Madiha Khan Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  • Nafees Ahmad Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of Baluchistan, Quetta, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2023.231.132147

Keywords:

Clinical Pharmacy, International Pharmaceutical Federation, Pharm. D., Pharmaceutical care, Pharmaceutical policy, Pharmaceutical science, Pharmacy practice, Recommendation

Abstract

Background: The pharmacy profession is underdeveloped and unrecognised in low and middle-income countries. Recognising this, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has published 21 development goals to develop the pharmacy profession. This mixed-method study was conducted to determine a priority-based hierarchy of the FIP development goals and identify the barriers to achieving these goals in Pakistan.  

Methods: A total of 400 and 15 pharmacists participated in the quantitative and qualitative parts of the study, respectively.   

Results: Overall, the pharmacy profession in Pakistan was not progressing at the pace required. The participants advocated prioritisation of the ‘Practice’ element to bridge the gap between the current situation and required progress. The main barriers to transformation were a lack of implementation of theoretical knowledge, training and internship programmes, and regulatory deficits in policy development and implementation.    

Conclusion: Mandatory government leadership and backing will be required to advance practice-related aspects and address intertwined barriers to professional development in the country.

Author Biographies

Muhammad Atif, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Department of Pharmacy Practice

Rabia Mehboob, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Department of Pharmacy Practice

Iram Malik, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Department of Pharmacy Practice

Yaser Mohammed Al-Worafi, University of Science and Technology of Fujairah, Fujariah, United Arab Emirates

College of Pharmacy

Wajiha Razzaq, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Department of Pharmacy Practice

Madiha Khan, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Department of Pharmacy Practice

Nafees Ahmad, Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of Baluchistan, Quetta, Pakistan

Department of Pharmacy Practice

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Published

24-02-2023

How to Cite

Atif, M., Mehboob, R., Malik, I., Mohammed Al-Worafi, Y., Razzaq, W., Khan, M., & Ahmad, N. (2023). Transformation of the pharmacy profession in Pakistan: A mixed-method study based on FIP development goals. Pharmacy Education, 23(1), p. 132–147. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2023.231.132147

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Research Article