Need for Recognition of Pharmacists as Front Liners in Covid-19 Pandemic: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 or Covid-19 Pandemic has become a globally recognized public-health phenomenon. As of September 2020, over 30 million people have been affected worldwide, and more than 1 million deaths have been registered. Healthcare professionals & researchers around the world are working hand in hand to find a vaccine or an efficient cure for this disease. Till then, a large part of the globe remains under lock down, and people are advised to follow certain guidelines like social distancing, practicing hand hygiene, etc. Pharmacists are one of the key healthcare workers who are working to fight this Pandemic. This commentary is an effort to describe their role in combating this Pandemic in a developing nation India. They are responsible for manufacturing/ supplying/dispensing of drugs to the ailing patients in the hospitals and community. In rural areas, pharmacists are expected to provide medical guidance. They play a vital role in medical information services within the hospital, along with providing Pharmacovigilance activities related to Covid-19 drugs. The essentiality of the presence of clinical pharmacists is being felt increasingly in India, where the healthcare workforce is limited. The safety of these caregivers during this Pandemic should be a priority so that this healthcare force can be efficiently utilized in managing the Pandemic in the country in the coming days.