Hospital Pharmacy is one of the most important areas in pharmacy practice, forming a bridge between medicine, patient care, and pharmaceutical science.
This topic is part of the D. Pharmacy syllabus and focuses on how pharmacists contribute to the healthcare system through hospital-based services.
Definition of Hospital Pharmacy
Hospital Pharmacy is a specialized branch of pharmacy that involves the procurement, preparation, storage, compounding, and dispensing of medicines and medical devices within a hospital.
It also includes advising doctors, nurses, and patients about the safe, effective, and economical use of medicines.
In short, hospital pharmacy ensures that patients receive the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time.
ORIGINAL NOTES:
Main Functions of Hospital Pharmacy
- Receiving, storing, and distributing medicines and medical supplies.
- Manufacturing sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical products when needed.
- Maintaining drug inventory and ensuring quality assurance.
- Providing drug information and counselling to healthcare professionals.
- Monitoring and promoting rational use of medicines.
Objectives of Hospital Pharmacy
The objectives of hospital pharmacy are to:
- Ensure continuous supply of quality medicines at affordable cost.
- Maintain a professional working environment within the hospital.
- Provide accurate drug information and patient counselling.
- Manufacture and prepare formulations that are unavailable commercially.
- Participate in hospital committees such as the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (P&T).
- Support research, education, and public health programs.
Scope of Hospital Pharmacy
The scope of hospital pharmacy extends beyond dispensing medicines.
It includes all activities that ensure safe and effective drug therapy within the hospital system.
Major Areas of Scope
- Procurement and Supply:
Purchasing medicines only from licensed and approved vendors. - Inspection and Inventory Control:
Checking quality and maintaining proper records of all drugs and medical supplies. - Dispensing:
Providing medicines to inpatients and outpatients as per prescriptions. - Manufacture of Preparations:
Preparing sterile solutions, large volume parenterals, and other formulations when needed. - Quality Control:
Ensuring that all drugs are of high quality and safe for patient use. - Coordination with Healthcare Team:
Working with doctors and nurses to optimize drug therapy and reduce medication errors. - Health Promotion:
Involvement in preventive health programs and public health awareness.
National and International Scenario of Hospital Pharmacy
A. National Scenario (India)
In India, hospital pharmacy practice is still evolving.
Traditionally, the pharmacist’s role was limited to manufacturing and dispensing.
However, modern hospital pharmacy in India is shifting towards patient-centered care.
Current developments include:
- Introduction of clinical pharmacy and ward-based services.
- Implementation of Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) guidelines by WHO and Pharmacy Council of India.
- Growing awareness of the pharmacist’s role in rational drug use and patient safety.
- Increasing participation of pharmacists in hospital committees and drug utilization reviews.
Challenges still exist due to:
- Limited manpower
- Inadequate training in clinical areas
- Lack of recognition from other healthcare professionals
B. International Scenario
Globally, pharmacists are the third-largest group of healthcare professionals.
In developed countries, hospital pharmacists play a major role in clinical decision-making, therapeutic monitoring, and patient counselling.
Key highlights:
- In the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, pharmacists can even prescribe medicines under supervision.
- The focus has shifted from product-oriented services to patient-oriented care.
- The WHO and FIP (International Pharmaceutical Federation) emphasize Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP), where the pharmacist’s top priority is patient welfare.
- Hospital pharmacists are actively involved in drug therapy monitoring, adverse drug reaction reporting, and clinical audits.
In contrast, developing countries are still working towards strengthening their hospital pharmacy systems.
With improved training and policy support, pharmacists can become key members of the healthcare team worldwide.
