LAHORE: In line with international tradition, ‘World Pharmacists Day’ would be observed today (Sunday) in Pakistan with the slogan ‘Pharmacists: Caring for you’. Pakistan Drug Lawyers Forum President Dr Muhammad Noor Mahar, Pakistan Young Pharmacists Association Vice President Dr Muhammad Ahmed, PYPA General Secretary Dr Haroon Yousaf, Joint Secretary Dr Hina Shaukat and Young Pharmacist Association Afghanistan President Dr Amanullah Sardar, while talking to media on Saturday, said that the number of pharmacists available in the public sector was desperately low as compared to the ratio recommended worldwide. They said this year’s theme was chosen to reflect the important role of pharmacists in providing care to the public, and also to highlight the emotional connection they share with their patients. The role of pharmacists has evolved from that of a provider of medicines to that of a provider of care, they added. According to international standards, at least one pharmacist should be available for 10 beds at a government hospital, they said, adding that these pharmacists should be appointed in three shifts. They said the patients should consult a pharmacist so that chances of medical errors are reduced. Pharmacists have an important role in giving advice to patients for appropriate use of medicines, they added. They said pharmacists also help the patients choose the best medicines keeping in mind their side effects. They said pharmacists had a supportive role and they helped the doctors determine the best drug or non-drug therapy for a patient’s specific disorder keeping in view their past and present illness, age, gender, family history, etc. They also play a key role in advising the patients with regard to drug allergies and possible adverse drug reactions. They said pharmacists play a vital role in the health care system through the medicine and information they provide. “While responsibilities vary among the different areas of pharmacy practice, the bottom line is that pharmacists help patients get well,” the pharmacists added. Pharmacists’ responsibilities include a range of care for patients, from dispensing medications to monitoring patient health and progress to maximize their response to the medication, they informed, adding that pharmacists also educate consumers and patients on the use of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, and advice physicians, nurses, and other health professionals on drug decisions. They said universities in Pakistan are producing world-class pharmacists, who are readily accepted around the world. “However, PYPA’s goal is not to strengthen the pharmacy services of Europe or USA by our Pakistani Pharmacists. We have to match the pharmacy services in Pakistan with world standards. We always appreciate the role of government to strengthen pharmacists, especially clinical pharmacy, but we must accept the reality that the government cannot provide 100% employment to pharmacists. We must assist the government to achieve its targets for better healthcare system and better patient services,” they added. The PYPA members urged the pharmacists to become entrepreneurs and do not wait for government jobs, as the government always have limited resources and cannot provide jobs to everyone.