Overview:
A hospital pharmacy is a specialized unit that ensures safe, effective, and timely supply of medicines to patients and medical staff. It forms a bridge between treatment planning and actual care delivery, promoting rational drug use and minimizing medication errors.
Services Offered:
Inpatient Pharmacy: Supplies medications to patients admitted to the hospital, as per doctors’ prescriptions.
Outpatient Pharmacy: Serves walk-in patients visiting the OPD. Provides both prescription and OTC (Over-the-Counter) medications.
Emergency Support: Ensures availability of critical drugs, antidotes, and emergency medication 24×7.
Patient Education: Pharmacists counsel patients on how to take their medications correctly, potential side effects, drug interactions, and adherence.
Inventory Management:
Uses automated systems for stock control, expiry tracking, and order processing.
Maintains cold chain for vaccines, insulin, and biologics.
Safety Standards:
Follows Good Pharmacy Practices (GPP)
Drugs dispensed only against valid prescriptions
Regular audits and quality control
Key Benefits:
Enhances treatment success through reliable medication supply
Prevents errors via double-verification systems
Pharmacist support reduces self-medication risks
Ensures availability of rare or life-saving medicines