Pharmacists Role in Treating COVID-19 Patients

Description

Since the commencement of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in December 2019, pharmacists around the world have been in the forefront of developing creative techniques to reduce the pandemic's negative impact. Multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 have resulted in a public health crisis that has affected millions of people around the world. The medical community bears a significant burden and is working uncontrollably to contain the disease's spread. The traditional functions of pharmacists must be adjusted in these unique times. Pharmacists must adapt to the situation and plan accordingly. Many countries are attempting to address the consequences of COVID-19's second wave and OMICRON's newest third wave, which have wreaked damage on the healthcare system and raised questions about resource management and governance failings that have claimed thousands of lives.

Controlling the situation is challenging in a number of regions, namely in middle and low-income countries. As a result, adjustments in operations, supply management, safety precautions, disseminating awareness, vaccination programs, and other areas must be implemented by healthcare workers, particularly pharmacists, in order to achieve maximum positive impact.

The COVID-19 epidemic was a global disaster that showed major damage on the economy. India was confronted with issues such as limited resources and rising demand for commodities such as medications and supplies. To evaluate the impact of the pandemic on India's top retail pharmaceutical enterprises, time-series data was retrieved. Following the pandemic, net sales and total revenue both improved dramatically, with the third quarter of 2020 being particularly notable. This was due to an increase of COVID cases and price increases on key medications used to treat the disease. While e-commerce has prospered in other industries, it is now making its way into retail pharmacies due to increased demand and growth potential. Increased use of e-pharmacy as a result of movement restrictions.

To further understand consumer behavior toward digital pharmacies, a survey using an electronic questionnaire was conducted on 190 participants in tier 1, 2 and 3 cities. Young people between the ages of 15 and 30 were the most common age groupings. Prior to the shutdown restrictions, 55% of respondents used an e-pharmacy. Other data factors, such as feasibility and delivery time, were positive in tier 1 and 2 cities vs. tier 3 cities, which can be ascribed to logistics issues. After the pandemic, 78.3 percent of research participants are likely to promote and use the service. The pandemic has had a minor impact on e-pharmacy, but a fundamental transition has begun, with a bright future ahead of it, as evidenced by primary research.

COVID-19's arrival has put pressure on health systems as they implement steps to decrease the risk of transmission to HIV-positive patients and healthcare professionals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, investigated acceptance of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) distribution through private pharmacies and reach of home delivery of ART through courier services for two out-of-facility individual Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD) models.

Several countries have taken steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and treat patients with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), sanitary measures, and medicines. However, there has been a lot of debate about initially recommended therapies like hydroxychloroquine, with disinformation driving up pricing and causing suicides. Prices of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and pharmaceuticals have risen in nations affected by shortages, which could be disastrous for Lower and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) with high co-payment levels. As a result, variations in availability, utilization, costs, and shortages of key drugs during the pandemic must be investigated.

Education, improved stock control, and patient counseling are among the pharmacists' potential roles in pandemics, according to the pharmacists. Despite the hype and requests, it was heartening to witness an increase in the use of vitamins and immune boosters, as well as no antimalarial or antibiotics supplied without a prescription. We will be keeping an eye on community pharmacists in the event of a pandemic, as they play an important role in prevention and advice. Kenya, for example, can provide as an example of a country that continues to have high rates of antibiotic self-purchasing.

COVID-19 is a brand-new disease for the entire planet. It has a significant impact on people's life, particularly their health. The commercial landscape and a consumer's buying habit have fundamentally changed as a result of COVID-19. Customers can resist buying a lot of things, but they can't avoid buying medicine. People are increasingly turning to e-pharmacy since they may order medicine and other pharmaceutical supplies from the comfort of their own homes. Consumer preferences and purchasing behaviours may vary by location.