Madrid highlights the crucial role of pharmacists on World Pharmacists Day.
On the occasion of World Pharmacist Day, the Health Department has highlighted the importance of these professionals in the Community of Madrid. With 9,800 pharmacists working in community pharmacies, their role as health agents is fundamental, including the owners of establishments, the pharmacists in charge, and assistants.
The Madrid Health Service (SERMAS) has 385 specialists in the pharmaceutical area. Your work in Primary Care is crucial in the follow-up of older patients, especially the 400,000 identified as polymedicated, who take more than six medications per day and are over 74 years old. Attention to this group is a priority due to their medication burden and fragility.
In collaboration with the Madrid College of Pharmacists, the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS) carries out a campaign to improve safety in the administration of medications. This initiative allows pharmacies to implement a precautionary 'block' on the treatment prescribed through an electronic prescription to prevent duplications, errors, and potential interactions.
Currently, the regulations that will govern Personalized Dosage Systems (PDS) are being developed, a measure that will comprehensively regulate the administration of medications according to prescribed doses. This regulation aims to improve therapeutic adherence and facilitate the process for patients.
In addition, standards are being implemented for home pharmaceutical care. This service will be offered both in community pharmacies and in hospitals, ensuring the safety of the process and of the medical device.
With the aim of improving the quality of life of the citizens, pharmacies will offer more flexible hours and will incorporate nutrition and dietetics sections, attended by experts. All these initiatives are backed by the Pharmacy Law of the Community of Madrid, approved in 2022, which continues to advance toward a more comprehensive and accessible model of care for all Madrid residents.
