In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, continuous education is no longer optional it is a necessity. Physicians are required to update their knowledge through Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs, securing credit points to maintain professional competence. However, a similar mandate is absent for pharmacists, despite their equally critical role in patient care.

Pharmacists are the last point of contact before medicines reach patients. They often counsel patients, advise on dosages, check for interactions, and handle queries on over-the-counter products.
With the fast changing pharmaceutical environment new drugs, biosimilars, fixed-dose combinations, nutraceuticals, and regulatory updates outdated knowledge can compromise patient safety.
Pharmacists today also face challenges like antibiotic stewardship, counterfeit medicines, and patient education, requiring updated skills and scientific awareness.

The gap lies in the fact that while doctors undergo structured CMEs, pharmacists lack standardized, mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) frameworks. This creates an imbalance in the healthcare system, leaving a key stakeholder less equipped to guide patients effectively.

The way forward could be to Introduce credit based Continuing Education Programs for pharmacists, linked to license renewal.Encourage collaboration between Pharmacy Councils, pharmaceutical associations, and academic bodies to develop modular learning (online and offline).Plus Include updates on new therapies, rational drug use, regulatory norms, and patient communication skills.

Hence for a safer and more informed healthcare ecosystem, pharmacists must be empowered through structured, mandatory education, just as doctors are. This will strengthen patient trust, improve treatment outcomes, and align our practices with global standards.

Regards,
JAKSTAR PHARMA