PHARMACY PRACTICE IN
THE PHILIPPINES
Ma. Concepcion T. Sim, RPh, MSPh, DrPH © College of Allied Health Sciences
Pharmacy Department
Trinity University of Asia
Quezon City, Philippines
Learning Outcomes: Topic Outline:
1. Brief History of Pharmacy in the Philippines.
2. Philippine Pharmacists Association 3. Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
4. Challenges of Filipino Pharmacists
5. Pharmacists involvement in Immunization
6. Fields of pharmacy practice in the Philippines 1. Learn about short history of pharmacy in the
Philippines
2. Identify the national organization of Filipino pharmacists, its mission and vision in the practice of pharmacy
3. Learn about pharmacy laws in the Philippines.
4. Identify the challenges of Filipino Pharmacists.
5. Determine roles of immunizing pharmacists in Philippine setting.
6. Learn about the fields of pharmacy practice in
the Philippines.
Brief History of Pharmacy in the Philippines
PHARMACY ERA
• Herbolarios
• "Mangagamot" - Heretics
• Compounding Era
• Manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical era
•Filipino pharmacist and botanist; "father of Philippine botany" (1935)
•First Filipino to become a licensed pharmacist
•In 1881, Guerrero worked as a pharmacist in a Spanish drug store in Zamboanga; naval hospital in Cavite City
•own pharmacy in Binondo in 1883
•Professor of pharmacy at the University of Santo Tomas, where he taught until his death (1887)
• Dendrobium guerreroi - orchid named after him
Leon Maria Guerrero (1853-1935)
•University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Pharmacy -
pharmaceutical school of the University of Santo Tomas
•UST Faculty of Pharmacy (1871) -oldest pharmaceutical institution in the Philippines
First Philippine Pharmacy School
• Botica Boie - first and largest drug store in the Philippines during the 19th century and 1960s - founded in 1830 by a Spaniard
named Dr. Lorenzo Negrao in Manila; name coined in 1867
First Drugstore
• In 1922, Botica Boie bought A. S. Watson & Co. (Hong Kong
store )
•Founded on 29 August 1920; only Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) - accredited, integrated national
organization of licensed Filipino pharmacists with 83 regional and local chapters, 10 affiliate organizations, about 15,000 members
The Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc .
History
• 1920 - The Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc.
(PPhA) was born
• 1928 - first issue of the Journal of the Philippine Pharmaceutical Association in September
• 1931 - first National Pharmacy week (11-17 October) 1944 - first recipient of PRC's "Outstanding Accredited Professional Organization of the Year"
• 1950 - promoted the development of the local pharmaceutical industry
• 1957 - active member of the Federacion Internationale Pharmaceutique (FIP)
• 1964 - one of the founding members of the Federation
of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA)
The Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA) is a professional organization accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) which embodies licensed Filipino Pharmacists.
PHILIPPINE
PHARMACISTS
ASSOCIATION
To empower the Filipino pharmacist to be professionally competent and globally competitive for quality health care through:
• Upholding and enhancing the nobility of the profession
• Advocating for the recognition of the pharmacist as an equal yet distinct partner among health care providers
• Actively participating in the formulation and Implementation of health care policies, standards and programs at the national and international levels
• Uniting the local chapters and affiliates and networking with local and international organizations
• Protecting the rights and promoting the well-being of its members
• Providing opportunities for continuing professional growth and development of its members.
PPhA Mission:
PPhA Vision:
The Filipino pharmacists to be indispensable provide of medication experise.
N
Novel Pharmacy practices
E
Expanded partnerships and collaborations
T
Training and Skills development of a
pharmacist
With the theme “EMPOWERING FOR THE N.E.X.T. IN HEALTHCARE”, PPhA will highlight 4 of the major key points in handling challenges,
opportunities, and innovations shaping the pharmacy practice:
PPhA National
Convention 2024
X
Engage patient-centric
approaches
JURISPRUDENCE OF PHARMACY PRACTICE
An Exploration of the Legal and Ethical Aspects of Pharmacy Practice
Pharmaceutical jurisprudence is the science and philosophy of law as it applies to pharmacy. It examines the national and local laws that impact the practice of pharmacy.
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
Understanding pharmaceutical jurisprudence is crucial for ensuring that pharmacists’ decisions and actions are
consistent with current legal principles and ethical standards.
Pharmacy Laws
Pharmacy laws are the legal rules and regulations that govern the practice of pharmacy.
These laws protect the rights of patients, ensure the quality and safety of drugs, and define the scope and responsibilities of pharmacists.
Pharmacy Law (RA 10918)
Regulates the practice of pharmacy in the Philippines.
Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act (RA 3720)
Ensures the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, and cosmetic products.
Generics Act of 1988 (RA 6675)
Promotes the use of generic drugs.
Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs (RA 8203)
Prohibits the manufacture and sale of counterfeit drugs.
Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 (RA 6425)
Regulates the importation, manufacture,
sale, and use of dangerous drugs.
Pharmacy ethics refers to the moral principles that guide the behavior of pharmacists. It involves the expected standards of moral behavior of a particular group as described in the group’s formal code of professional ethics
Pharmaceutical Ethics
Ethical considerations are crucial in pharmacy practice as they guide pharmacists in making decisions that are in the best
interest of patients and society.
THE PPhA CODE OF ETHICS
• A pharmacist places the well being of the patient at the center of professional practice.
• A pharmacist promotes the welfare of each individual in a caring and compassionate manner.
• A pharmacist serves the needs of the individual, community and society and provides health for all.
• A pharmacist respects the rights of patients and upholds confidentiality of patients’ records.
• A pharmacist acts with honesty, integrity and professionalism in relationship with the patients and other health professionals.
• A pharmacist respects the abilities, values and contributions of colleagues and other health professionals and work with them closely to ensure better patient care.
• A pharmacist is committed to continuously enhance professional competence.
• A pharmacist, in coordination with the government and other health professionals helps in the formulation and
implementation of health care policies, standards and programs designed for the benefit of society.
Pharmacy practice in the Philippines has evolved
significantly over the years. In the early to late 19th century, it began with simple compounding and dispensing, the
traditional process of preparing various medications and distributing them to those in need.
Today, pharmacists are widely recognized as health experts who are involved in training, and providing medical services such as medical counseling, health screening and surveillance, quality control, and even patient-oriented roles.
Pharmacy Practice in
the Philippines
Providing and promoting the best use of drugs and other health care services and products, by patients and members of the public.
It requires that the welfare of the patient is the pharmacist's prime concern at all times.
Pharmacy Practice Aims
CHALLENGES OF PHARMACY
PRACTICE IN THE PHILIPPINES
The regulatory landscape in the Philippines is complex, with stringent regulations set by the FDA governing various aspects of pharmacy operations, including drug procurement, storage, dispensing practices, and record-keeping.
Pharmacies must stay abreast of regulatory updates and undergo regular inspections to ensure
compliance. Failure to comply can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.
Regulatory Compliance
Ahonkhai, V., Martins, S. F., Portet, A., Lumpkin, M., & Hartman, D. (2016). Speeding access to vaccines and medicines in low- and middle-income countries: A case for change and a framework for Optimized Product Market Authorization. PLOS ONE, 11(11). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0166515
Ball, D., & Salenga, R. (2017). Pharmaceutical policy in the Philippines. Pharmaceutical Policy in Countries with Developing Healthcare Systems, 45–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51673-8_4
Counterfeit Drugs
Counterfeit drugs pose a serious threat to public health in the Philippines. They often enter the market through illicit channels and are challenging to detect due to their close resemblance to genuine products.
Pharmacies must implement rigorous quality assurance
measures, such as verifying the authenticity of suppliers and conducting regular inspections of medication stocks, to
prevent the distribution of counterfeit medications.
Isuga, J. V. D., Dela Cruz, C. M. D., Urriza, J. T., Abas, L. G., Dela Cruz, E. M. D., Jardinero, D. C. B., Flores, M. E. A., Sevilla, S. M. D., Catapang, M. D., Santiago, C. D., & Andal, M. S. (2022). Extent of Filipinos’ awareness in identifying counterfeit medicines:
A quantitative cross-sectional study. GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 12(3), 094–108.
https://doi.org/10.30574/gscarr.2022.12.3.0237
Henson, K. E. R., Santiago, A. A. C., & Namqui, S. S. (2020). Counterfeit Rabies Vaccines: The Philippine Experience. Open forum infectious diseases, 7(8), ofaa313. https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofaa313
Access to quality healthcare services, including pharmacies, remains a challenge in the Philippines,
particularly in rural and underserved areas. Geographical barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and limited healthcare facilities contribute to disparities in access.
Pharmacies in these areas may struggle to stock essential medications and provide comprehensive pharmaceutical care, exacerbating healthcare inequalities.
Access to Quality
Healthcare
Lazo-Porras, M., & Penniecook, T. (2023). Health equity: Access to quality services and caring for underserved populations.
Health Policy and Planning, 38(Supplement_2), ii1–ii2. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czad073
Tharumia Jagadeesan, C., & Wirtz, V. J. (2021). Geographical accessibility of medicines: A systematic literature review of pharmacy mapping. Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40545-020-00291-7
Affordability
Medication affordability is a pressing issue for many Filipinos, especially those from low-income backgrounds. The high
cost of medications relative to household incomes often leads to medication non-adherence, where patients skip doses or fail to complete prescribed treatments. This can result in poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare expenditures in the long run.
Policymakers need to explore strategies such as price
regulation, bulk purchasing, and expanded insurance
coverage to improve medication affordability.
Lambojon, K., Chang, J., Saeed, A., Hayat, K., Li, P., Jiang, M., Atif, N., Desalegn, G. K., Khan, F. U., & Fang, Y. (2020).
Prices, availability and affordability of medicines with value-added tax exemption: A cross-sectional survey in the Philippines. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(14), 5242.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145242
Health literacy levels in the Philippines vary widely across the population, with many individuals lacking the necessary knowledge and skills to understand healthcare information and make informed decisions about their health.
Pharmacies play a vital role in addressing health
literacy gaps by providing clear and concise medication counseling, using plain language and visual aids to
enhance patient understanding, and promoting
medication adherence through education campaigns.
Health Literacy
Bautista, J. R. (2020). Health Literacy Education and Research in the Philippines: An Agenda for Filipino Information Professionals during and after COVID-19. Philippine Journal of Librarianship and Information Studies, 40(1), 41–46.
Retrieved from https://phjlis.org/index.php/phjlis/article/view/34
Camiling, M. K. (2019). EHealth literacy of high school students in the Philippines. IAFOR Journal of Education, 7(2), 69–
87. https://doi.org/10.22492/ije.7.2.04
Workforce Shortages
The Philippines faces shortages of trained pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, particularly in rural and remote areas.
This workforce imbalance can strain pharmacy resources and lead to increased workloads and burnout among
existing staff.
Addressing workforce shortages requires investments in
pharmacy education and training programs, incentives to
encourage pharmacists to practice in underserved areas,
and the adoption of telepharmacy and other innovative
models of care delivery.
Al-Worafi, Y. M., Ming, L. C., Chan, S. Y., Tan, C. S., & Goh, B. H. (2023b). Healthcare workforce issues in developing countries: Pharmacy. Handbook of Medical and Health Sciences in Developing Countries, 1–23.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74786-2_213-1 Loquais, M. M. & Robles, Y. (2012). Issues and concerns on utilization of the pharmacy workforce in
the Philippines. Journal of Asian Association of Schools of Pharmacy, 1(2):86-96.
Integrating technology into pharmacy practices holds promise for improving efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. However, challenges such as limited internet connectivity, inadequate infrastructure, and resistance to change among pharmacy staff can impede the adoption of technology.
Pharmacies must invest in staff training and infrastructure upgrades to successfully integrate electronic health
records, telepharmacy, and other digital tools into their operations.
Technological Integration
Morales, M. P., Avilla, R., Butron, B., Ayuste, T. O., Masangcay, D., & Laureano, R. (2021). Technology integration traditions, transitions, and best practices in Philippine Higher Steam Education.
Philippine Journal of Science, 150(5). https://doi.org/10.56899/150.05.36
Hariry, R. E., & Barenji, R. V. (2023a). Embracing digital technologies in the pharmaceutical industry. Control Engineering in Mechatronics, 141–165. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7775-5_4
Cultural Factors
Cultural beliefs and practices influence healthcare-seeking behaviors and attitudes towards medications in the
Philippines. For example, traditional healers and herbal remedies are often preferred by some segments of the
population, leading to delays in seeking conventional medical care.
Pharmacies must be culturally sensitive in their interactions
with patients, respecting diverse beliefs and preferences
while providing evidence-based pharmaceutical care.
Customer: Adda agas yo para uyok? (Ilocano dialect)
(you have medicine for cough?) Pharmacist? Ano po
iyon? (Tagalog dialect) (What is that?)
Language barriers in Pharmacy
O’Connell, M. B., Korner, E. J., Rickles, N. M., & Sias, J. J. (2007). Cultural competence in health care and its implications for Pharmacy. Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, 27(7), 1062–1079.
https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.27.7.1062
Rondilla, N. A., Rocha, I. C., Roque, S. J., Lu, R. M., Apolinar, N. L., Solaiman-Balt, A. A., Abion, T. J., Banatin, P. B., & Javier, C. V. (2021). Folk medicine in the Philippines: A phenomenological study of health-seeking individuals. International Journal of Medical Students, 9(1), 25–32. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2021.849
Drug abuse and misuse, including the inappropriate use of prescription medications, are significant public health
concerns in the Philippines.
Pharmacies play a crucial role in preventing diversion and misuse of controlled substances by implementing strict dispensing protocols, monitoring prescription patterns for signs of abuse, and providing education and support to
patients at risk of substance abuse disorders.
Drug Abuse and Misuse
Caday, Dr. F. (2017). Causes of drug abuse among college students: The Philippine experience. The International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention. https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsshi/v4i4.05
JOHNSON, D. T., & FERNQUEST, J. (2018). Governing through killing: The War on Drugs in the Philippines. Asian Journal of Law and Society, 5(2), 359–390. https://doi.org/10.1017/als.2018.12
Continuing Education
Continuous professional development is essential for
pharmacists to maintain competency and stay updated with advancements in pharmacy practice. However, access to
quality continuing education programs may be limited in
some areas, particularly rural and underserved communities.
Pharmacies can leverage online learning platforms, peer mentoring programs, and partnerships with academic
institutions to facilitate ongoing professional development
for their staff.
Bacayo, M. D. (2017). Job Satisfaction, Continuing Professional Development and Pharmaceutical Care Practices of Hospital Pharmacists in the Philippines and Malaysia: Basis for Pharmacy Professional Development Plan. Tin-aw, 1(1).
Salenga, R. & Aninon, A. D. (2013). A Study on the Barriers to Lifelong Learning among Filipino Pharmacists.
International Journal of Pharmacy Teaching & Practices 2013, Vol.4, Issue 4, 780-786.
Immunization is one of the most cost-effective measures for the prevention of infectious disease. The COVID-19 pandemic
provided evidence of the vital role of pharmacists in delivering this preventative health measure.
Pharmacists have proven to be qualified providers, advocates, and educators and have a major role in promoting the importance of immunizations.
PHARMACISTS
INVOLVEMENT ON
IMMUNIZATION
Patient attitude toward vaccines
Vaccine
compliance and appropriateness
Confidence in vaccine
recommendation and administration
Patient
Satisfaction
ROLE IN
COVID-19
Pharmacists could play a key role in public health responses, such as what they have demonstrated in COVID-19 , help address concerns with vaccine hesitancy, and
have a positive impact on immunization uptake during any future pandemics.
Interventions with pharmacist involvement had an impact on other related outcomes which indirectly
improves the vaccine coverage.
To become an immunizing pharmacist in the Philippines, pharmacists need to meet specific requirements outlined by the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPHA) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR IMMUNIZING
PHARMACIST
DEMONSTRATING COMPETENCY
Integration of essential immunization topics in the
pharmacy curriculum, as mandated by the Philippine
Pharmacy Act
ACCREDITATION
Pharmacists must obtain
accreditation for this certification program, ensuring they meet the
standards set by the PPhA for immunizing pharmacists in the
Philippines
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
TRAINING
PPhA Immunizing Pharmacist Certification Program equips
pharmacists with the
necessary skills to administer
vaccines effectively
The Immunizing Pharmacist Certification Program of the Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. took seven years before finally being accredited in March 2021.:
STAGE 1: Self-paced Online Learning (16 hours)
• The Philippine health situation and the importance of immunization to public health
• Immunization vaccines and their mechanisms of action
• Contraindications and precautions for immunization
• Screening and assessment of patients for immunization
• Patient education and counseling on immunization
• Vaccine storage and handling
• Documentation and reporting of immunizations
• Adverse event management following immunization
TRAINING
STAGE 2: Skills Training (8 hours)
• Demonstration of the immunization process from patient screening to vaccine administration
• Hands-on practice of vaccine preparation and administration techniques
• Evaluation of skills through a return demonstration assessment
STAGE 3: Assessment
• After completing both stages of the program, pharmacists must pass a certification exam to become certified immunizing pharmacists.
TRAINING
PHARMACY FIELDS
COMMUNITY PHARMACY
A hybrid profession requiring well-developed professional
skills and management abilities.
INSTITUTIONAL PHARMACY
Offers excellent opportunities for pharmacists with advanced degrees in any of the professional
specialties.
HOSPITAL PHARMACY
The practice of pharmacy in private and government-owned
hospitals, health maintenance
organizations, clinics, walk-in
health centers, and nursing homes.
FIELDS OF PHARMACY PRACTICE
INDUSTRIAL PHARMACY
Offers opportunities to
pharmacists of all educational levels.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND REGULATORY PHARMACY
Concerning rules and regulations
for the safe use of medicine to
promote positive health outcomes.
Community pharmacists in the Philippines engage in clinical roles such as:
• fill patient prescriptions
• administer vaccinations
• monitor the quality, safety, and use of medicines
• managing long-term conditions
• advising patients on minor ailments
• providing patient education about rational drug use and appropriate lifestyle medication
COMMUNITY PHARMACIST
Specific duties of a Hospital Pharmacist include the following:
• procurement, storage, dispensing, preparation, distribution, and inventory of medications to optimize drug-therapy management of inpatients and outpatients
• promotion of medication safety and efficacy in the hospital through monitoring and assessment services
• oversees rational selection, monitoring, dosing, and control of patients’ overall drug therapy program
HOSPITAL PHARMACIST
Regulatory pharmacists in the Philippines engage in clinical roles such as:
• Responsible for the renewal of licenses and
compliance with government requirements from the FDA, PDEA, DDB and BAI depending on which of these are assigned to the individual.
• Regulating incoming shipments and outgoing deliveries.
REGULATORY PHARMACIST
Ensures that all products, in process materials, production facilities and process are in compliance with the Company’s Quality Management standards and Government’s cGMP requirements through proper monitoring procedures, effective training program and up-to-date documentations.
Conduct and support Company’s research and develop projects.
INDUSTRIAL
PHARMACIST
The role is expected to make a significant contribution to research capacity. Educate, train, assess and develop pharmacy students, pre- registration trainees, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. The duties and responsibilities are wide and diverse, with elements of the role changing or varying over time.
INSTITUTIONAL PHARMACIST
PHILIPPINE PHARMACY HYMN
REFERENCES
Bragazzi N. L. (2019). Pharmacists as Immunizers: The Role of Pharmacies in Promoting Immunization Campaigns and Counteracting Vaccine Hesitancy. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland), 7(4), 166. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy7040166
Le, L. M., Veettil, S. K., Donaldson, D., Kategeaw, W., Hutubessy, R., Lambach, P., & Chaiyakunapruk, N. (2022). The impact of pharmacist involvement on immunization uptake and other outcomes: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the
American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 62(5), 1499–1513.e16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2022.06.008 Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. LinkedIn. (2023, November 28). Retrieved from
https://www.linkedin.com/company/philpharmacists
Event Overview. (2024, March 15). Retrieved from https://ppha.hyflexconvention.com/home/
The immunization training and certification for pharmacists and integration of immunization topics in the pharmacy curriculum: The Philippine experience. (2024, February 18). Retrieved from https://www.aaspjournal.org/article_html.php?did=14155&issueno=0
Professional Regulation Commission. (2021, May). Retrieved from https://www.prc.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pharma2021- 05%20published.PDF
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence and ethics. Saint Mary’s University. (n.d.). https://lms.smu.edu.ph/course/info.php?id=9749
