The future of pharmacy in Libya
One must accept the complexity of modern society as a multifaceted influence which will direct the future of
all social organizations. Technology has brought the people of the world into almost instant communication.
Biomedical science has conquered most infectious, acute diseases and has provided several medicines for a
successful maintenance therapy of chronic diseases. The life style of some people as smoking and drug
addiction remain a strong factor to their achievement of health goals of the good life. Universally, economic
inflation and international business have created an economic interdependence among nations and dealing of
the economic problems of one country must take into account this interdependence. When one views the future
within this technologic-social-economic framework, he has difficulty sorting out certain directing influences
that may shape the future of pharmacy practice in Libya.
Currently, the duties, functions and roles undertaken by pharmacists in Libya range from those limited to
traditional dispensing duties to highly clinically oriented roles [1]. In this regard, the Libyan health service
providers request for the expanded roles of pharmacists in the society. Many of them ask for a number of
clinical and patient-oriented functions as oncology, patient counseling, chronic care, hypertension, pediatric,
diabetes, psychiatric, cardiology and others. They also question for protocols, standing orders and procedures
for pharmacist management of drug therapy and provide information to use as a basis for initiation of clinically
oriented services. The treatment of chronic diseases will be refined and drug therapy in many instances will
be improved through the application of pharmacokinetic principles and improved methods of monitoring.
There is no doubt that pharmacy practice has made clear stepsin its own professionalization in hospitals during
the past years. With an increase in the number of pharmacists practicing in hospitals and drug stores has come
other changes in pharmacy manpower. Technicians and assistant pharmacists now perform many of the routine
tasks in drug distribution under pharmacist's supervision. The latter, therefore, is available to participate in
clinical programs in inpatient areas and in outpatient clinics. The practice of technicians and assistant
pharmacists both in and out of hospitals remains a controversial issue in Libya (absence of a clear national
medical policy).
Many pharmacists in Libya who provide services hold Bachelor degree in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical
Sciences or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) or have completed a short or long term diploma training in
teaching hospitals or postgraduate academics. Some hold appointments in other health professions institutions.
Libyan Association for Pharmacists (LAP) and Libyan Medical Board are currently planning for a program in
Copyright © 2023 Sherif FM. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License,
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Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
www.medjpps.com ISSN: 2789-1895 online ISSN: 2958-3101 print
Sherif FM (2023) Mediterr J Pharm Pharm Sci. 3(1): 1-2. 1-2
clinical pharmacy in different clinical branches. Nevertheless, professional pharmacy personnel must be
upgraded in the future in both educational background and competence if continued professionalization is to
be achieved [2]. The future will see continued stratification of professional personnel according to specialized
functions in management and clinical and other professional; services particularly in large hospitals. The scope
of the educational function of pharmacy will expand and become an increasingly important activity in the
future in Libya. Some hospitals will maintain health education facilities as part of their physical plant. Others
will participate in the program of area health education centers. Pharmacy's responsibility in this effort will
require not only an increased commitment, but likewise, increased capability and capacity to provide
educational services.
References
1. Sherif
FM (2022) Education and practice of pharmacy in Libya. Mediterranean Journal of
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2 (3): 1-2. doi.org/10.581/zenodo.7115078.
2. Elfituri
AA, Sherif FM (2022) Novel clinical pharmacy practice: extended role and
improved competencies. Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences. 2 (1): 1-3. doi.org/10.581/zenodo.6397651.