A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who is responsible for dispensing medications and providing information and advice about them. He/ She is also involved in manufacturing, dispensing, compounding, counseling and storage of medicines.
They work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safe and effective use of medications.
Becoming a Registered Pharmacist in Pakistan
To become a registered pharmacist in Pakistan, certain requirements must be fulfilled:
Admission Requirement
In Pakistan, a Pharmacy graduate course is a five-year program known as Pharm D or Doctor of Pharmacy.
Educational Qulaification
To enroll in the pharm D Course, the applicant must have an F.Sc (premedical) degree with a minimum of 60% marks.
Most of the universities have their internal mandatory test as well. An applicant with 60% marks in F.Sc (pre-medical) needs to appear in the test as well. This course is offered in both semester and annual systems of the studies.
There is also a mandatory internship in the industry or retail setup.
Upon completion of the degree, graduates can be registered as pharmacists in the provincial council.
Carrier Options
The Pharmacy profession is an integral part of any healthcare system. It includes from industrial-scale manufacturing to safe delivery of medicine to the end users which is of course patients in this case.
It is important to understand that there are various job perspectives for a Pharmacist. Choosing the path is a personal choice depending on various factors like financial incentives, social benefits and need analysis.
Industrial Pharmacist
Industrial Pharmacist as the name indicates relates to the production line within pharma manufacturing facility. It includes a range of options from raw material pharmacists to Quality Assurance Pharmacist.
Production Pharmacist
Major duties include:
- oversea production line
- main tain standard environmental conditions
- Development of Standard Operating procedure (SOP’s)
Quality Control Pharmacist
Responsibilities include:
- Quality control testing according to guidelines
- Ensure quality of medicine
- A critical part of the team
- Expert or have an idea of testing procedures
Warehouse Pharmacist
Responsibilities include:
- Raw Material and Finished goods in and out of inventory management
- Environmental factors compliance
- First In and First Out Compliance
- Thermal Mapping
Marketing and Sales Pharmacist
Responsibilities include:
- Basic understanding of the sales process
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Understand the marketing dynamics of the pharma industry
Registration in Overseas Countries
There is a possibility to move or relocate to other countries as a registered Pharmacist
- Norway
- Hong Kong
Every country has its own procedure and testing mechanism to consider the international pharmacist as a registered pharmacist in their country.
Job Description of a Pharmacist
The job of a pharmacist involves various responsibilities, including:
- Dispensing prescription medications to patients
- Reviewing prescriptions for accuracy and appropriateness
- Providing information and advice to patients about their medications
- Monitoring patients’ medication therapy for effectiveness and safety
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals to optimize patient care
- Managing inventory and ordering medications
- Compounding medications, if required
Career Options for Pharmacists in Pakistan
Pharmacists in Pakistan have a range of career options to choose from. Some of the common career paths include:
- Retail Pharmacy: Many pharmacists work in retail pharmacies, where they dispense medications and provide counseling to patients.
- Hospital Pharmacy: Pharmacists can also work in hospital settings, where they collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure appropriate medication use and provide specialized services.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Pharmacists can work in the pharmaceutical industry, involved in research and development, drug manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory affairs.
- Academia: Some pharmacists choose to work in academia, teaching and conducting research in pharmacy schools and universities.
- Government and Regulatory Bodies: Pharmacists can also work in government agencies and regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with drug laws and regulations.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a Pharmacist in Pakistan
Like any profession, there are advantages and disadvantages to becoming a pharmacist in Pakistan.
Advantages:
- Job Stability: Pharmacists enjoy a high demand for their services, ensuring job stability and security.
- Salary and Benefits: Pharmacists in Pakistan receive competitive salaries and benefits, making it a financially rewarding profession.
- Opportunities for Growth: There are ample opportunities for career growth and specialization within the field of pharmacy.
- Contribution to Healthcare: Pharmacists play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and ensuring the safe use of medications.
Disadvantages:
- Workload: Pharmacists often have a heavy workload, especially in retail and hospital settings, which can be physically and mentally demanding.
- Long Hours: Pharmacists may have to work long and irregular hours, including weekends and holidays.
- Continuous Learning: The field of pharmacy is constantly evolving, requiring pharmacists to stay updated with new medications, treatments, and regulations.
- Workplace Stress: Dealing with patients, insurance companies, and regulatory requirements can sometimes lead to workplace stress.
