Not that many books are written about pharmacists and the plight of the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmacy industry has always been considered subservient to the rest of the other medical fields of disciplines, a support system to the rest of the medical sciences. But author Dr. Patrick Ojo endeavored in his book to change that perspective. Pharmacy In Bondage by Dr. Patrick Ojo puts into the spotlight the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry. More than just the science of preparing, dispensing, and administering medicinal drugs, pharmacy has a significant impact on society that cannot and never be undermined.  

A look into the book 

Being closely involved in the pharmacy industry himself, Dr. Patrick Ojo has seen the challenges faced by pharmacists and the whole industry itself. Pharmacists are thought to be children in this area of jurisdiction. Pharmacists are supposed to be the leading authority regarding the knowledge and practice of drugs or medications. However, still, they have to get permission for drug use and approval from other disciplines in medicines whose core study and practice is not even focused on medication or the practice of medicinal drug utilization.

Dr. Patrick Ojo’s book, Pharmacy In Bondage, provides an accurate historical account of pharmacy, how society sees the industry as a whole, and the vital contribution this field of science gives to the healthcare system, not only in the US but to the whole world. 

Challenges in the industry

Aside from the apparent stereotyping the industry has faced, many challenges are going on in practice itself that entails society should look into less the whole chain of the medical field is affected. Pharmacy is not a standalone field. It needs the support and cooperation of the other areas for it to be effective and ensure the successful cycle and process of the whole medical science. It requires the support and trust of the society itself because, after all, pharmacy is an integral part of the community. 

Too many resources

One challenge encountered by pharmacists is too many resources available on drug interaction and drug information. With the advent of the internet, it can be tricky to determine which data is trustworthy and evidence-based. New drugs or medications are constantly popping out to keep up with the changing times that bring in new diseases or illnesses, and books or printed materials on drugs and drug usage are not consistently updated. With not one centralized source of information, pharmacists have to go through lots of resources available and handed over to them to find the right data and medication they can recommend. 

Challenge of Multitasking 

A pharmacist’s job is not limited to dispensing, administering, screening, and medication management. A pharmacist’s job has become busier, demanding, and often even taxing. Pharmacists are also tasked with conducting health and wellness screenings, administering and providing immunizations, and sometimes providing healthy lifestyle advice to their patients. 

At times, pharmacists also became close confidantes of their patients or customers. Customers often come up to pharmacists and share the throes of their medical afflictions. Despite their busy schedule, pharmacists would also stop what they’re doing and spend time listening and giving advice to their customers.

Management role

Pharmacists should also be good managers. They should know and anticipate their medicine inventory and know the best practices in the trade to counter lack of supply or late medicine delivery. Aside from that, they should know and understand their patient population and demographics and be particularly aware of each patient’s needs and medication history to ensure that they are disbursing the right kind of medication. Plus, pharmacists also need to interact with medical practitioners every so often to confirm medication use. 

Pharmacy In Bondage exemplifies the current situation faced by the pharmaceutical industry. It opened the world to the need for more study and jurisdiction to consider the plight and welfare of pharmacists and the whole industry. There should be a change in the system to avoid taking for granted and subjugating this respected field of medicine. And Dr. Patrick Ojo is answering the call on behalf of the industry by bringing the pharmaceutical case up for the whole world to see. 

Grab a copy of Pharmacy In Bondage on Amazon, or visit the author’s website at www.liberatepharmacy1.com.