Pharmacist Role in Telehealth Practice in Pakistan During 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic: The Neglected Link for Patient Safety

Abstract

Telehealth services have been working for decades to offer health advice at the point of treatment care. The usage of this innovative modern communication technology for the general public is still in its infancy in developing countries including Pakistan. The communities are advised to practice social distancing for safe survival during the corona pandemic. The role of a pharmacist is well recognized Worldwide in the practicing telemedicine models of drug information centers and poison control centers. Telemedicine centers were established by different hospitals and medical universities to provide telephonic consultation regarding any ailment during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus pandemic in Pakistan. The pharmacist’s potential and professional expertise are neglected and unexplored as drug information experts in hospitals and community pharmacies, antidote specialists in poison control centers, patient counselor for treatment compliance in Pakistan. The telemedicine practice in the institutions ensures the inclusion of trained pharmacists for better patient care. Telepharmacy initiation at the community level by the government will also reduce the burden on the hospital level.