[india-drug] Pharmacist and Doctor: Important Link (21)

["Sampada Patvardhan" <dicmspc@yahoo.co.in>]

Pharmacist and Doctor: Important Link (21)
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Dear Members,
   
I am truly happy that the discussion on this topic is going on with many views being expressed positively. However, I would like to bring attention to some of the realities that we face in Maharashtra. As Dr. Chetna Desai said that DIC should preferably be attached to hospitals for better utilization, I would like to know who will train the pharmacists from independent drug store catering to thousands of patients each day? In our state we have about 40,000 pharmacists practicing community pharmacy which are not affiliated to any hospital and receive patients coming after visiting GPs. These professionals need in-depth training and also a DIC to disseminate authentic drug information. Our DIC is very successfully doing that job. Secondly, we all know that all our pharmacists need to upgrade themselves and be competent. But who will bell the cat? I strongly feel that through the training programs which are also called as refresher courses, we need to bring in the change in  their attitude. If that can be achieved rest will follow. So it is very challenging task to convince these thousands of pharmacists to get patient oriented without loosing on their business. Also doctors may need to be updated on medicines through unbiased sources and for family physicians independent DICs can be that source to get information. How many doctors really get time to update themselves, on new drugs or new formulations approved regularly in our market? How many doctors are aware and convinced about Rational Use of Drugs? In Maharashtra, in one study we found that most of our GPs here did not know about STG, EDL concept etc.I feel doctors and pharmacists both equally need continued updating on medicines and this process must occur without any commercial incentive.
   
  sincerely,
  Dr. (Mrs.) Sampada Patvardhan                                               
  Director,  Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council's Drug Information Centre 
   


              Dr. (Mrs.) Sampada Patvardhan (Ph.D.Tech. Pharmacology)                                         
   








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