New act on the profession of pharmacist – introduction to comprehensive pharmaceutical care

On January 1, 2024, a new Act on the Pharmacist Profession entered into force in Poland, which brought significant changes in the scope of work and rights of pharmacists.

In this article, we will discuss why this act is important, what standards of pharmaceutical care apply in other European countries, what rights a pharmacist in Poland now has, and what these changes mean for patients. Let’s also find out when it is worth seeking advice from a pharmacist and what our suggestions are in the context of comprehensive pharmaceutical care.

Act on the profession of pharmacist – why is it important?

The new Act on the Pharmacist Profession introduces changes that are aimed at increasing the role of the pharmacist in health care. Pharmacists become not only people responsible for providing medicines, but also partners of patients in managing their health. This is important because pharmacists are available without visiting a doctor and can provide valuable advice and information about medications and supplements.

Standards of pharmaceutical care in other European countries

Many of Poland’s European neighbors have been using advanced standards of pharmaceutical care for a long time. In countries such as the UK, the Netherlands and Sweden, pharmacists play a key role in educating patients, monitoring medications and providing health advice. The new law in Poland is a step towards adapting to these standards and providing patients with higher quality care.

Act on the profession of pharmacist – what rights does a pharmacist have in Poland?

Under the new act, pharmacists will gain broader powers to dispense medicines without a prescription, which means they will be able to help patients more effectively. Pharmacists can also provide vaccinations against many diseases, which may increase the availability of vaccinations for the public.

Act on the profession of pharmacist – what does it mean for patients?

For patients, the new act means easier access to pharmaceutical advice, especially in places such as pharmacies and drugstores. The ability to consult a pharmacist without having to visit a doctor can speed up the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. Additionally, pharmacists can help patients monitor and adjust medication doses, which is crucial in managing chronic conditions.

When should you seek advice from a pharmacist?

It is worth using the knowledge of a pharmacist when you have questions about medications, dietary supplements, disease symptoms or interactions between various drugs. Pharmacists are ready to help you choose the right products, provide dietary advice and support patients in achieving their health goals.

Your suggestions

If you have suggestions about what pharmacy services and advice you would like to receive in your area, it’s worth sharing them with your local pharmacies. The new law encourages greater cooperation between pharmacists and patients, which may contribute to improving health care at the local level.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of pharmaceutical care and changes in the law related to the pharmacist’s profession, we recommend reading articles on this subject available in specialized medical journals and on the websites of the Ministry of Health.

The new Act on the Pharmacist Profession is a step towards improving access to comprehensive pharmaceutical care in Poland. For patients, this means greater availability of pharmaceutical advice and better care for their health. It is worth being aware of these changes and using the knowledge and experience of pharmacists to take care of your health.