National Pharmacist Day is celebrated every year on Jan.12 to honor pharmacists, and acknowledge their efforts in building public health.

A pharmacist is responsible for providing quality medicines to patients and ensuring the medications prescribed to patients are suitable and within the law. They answer any queries the patients might have about the medicines, including how to take them. They are also responsible for warning the patients about the possible reactions that might occur.

Changing roles of pharmacists: Apart from performing the basic function of dispensing and distributing medicines and health supplies, a pharmacist in today's world is expected to be patient-oriented and to provide administrative and public health functions.

Pharmacists work in various public settings, including hospitals, drug, grocery, retail stores, and nursing homes. This gives them a large window of opportunity to provide public health services and are in an ideal position to act as information resources for the community.

Many public health functions like pharmacotherapy, prevention services, health screenings, immunizations, and counseling can be carried out by a pharmacist.

Pharmacists can also be involved in educating doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals on various techniques of prescribing medications and issues related to drug use.

pharmacy
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Here are some quotes about pharmacists that would help to appreciate the efforts made by them, courtesy: Wise sayings, Brainy Quote,

  1. "Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity." - Hippocrates
  2. "My father is a doctor and my mother ran the local pharmacy. Growing up, I saw firsthand the difference they made to our community."-Rishi Sunak
  3. "My choice of learning pharmacy was driven by my interests, curiosity, and a desire to seek new medicines for patients."-Tu Youyou
  4. "Pharmacists exist because society says there needs to be someone in the healthcare system to oversee the drug-use process"-William N. Kelley
  5. "Pharmacy is a profession and not just the place of employment where you just show up and serve patients."-Stephen J. Allen
  6. "A pharmacist's head is always on a swivel and our ears are always open."- Richard Waithe
  7. "Pharmacists have and will continue to affect in positive ways our nation's health care system and lead from many types of positions and in many practice settings."-Paul W. Abramowitz
  8. "The presence of pharmacists in patient care units to allow direct interaction with physicians, nurses, and other health care providers appears to be the most important factor in achieving good patient outcomes."- Thomas R. Brown