An icdrb'b study finds that the Model Pharmacy initiative is a unique idea to ensure better pharmacy practice in Bangladesh
[Photos of the member of the study team are shown on top].
BHB engaged an icddr,b research team to explore the factors related to retaining Grade A pharmacists employed in Model Pharmacies and the suitability of Grade B pharmacists to be in charge of Model Pharmacies. The team presented its report in a stakeholders’ meeting held on 2 July 2021, chaired by Major General, Dr Mahbubur Rahman, the Director General of Drug Administration.
icddr,b carried out the study using quantitative and qualitative methods in 13 districts. An inventory survey was conducted in 128 Model Pharmacies, and the team conducted in-depth interviews with nine Grade A Pharmacists, six Grade B Pharmacists, and nine government and nongovernmental stakeholders.
BHB, a project of Management Sciences for Health, worked with the Directorate General Drug Administration (DGDA) and other stakeholders to develop the first standards for retail medicine outlets in Bangladesh five years ago. BHB is now implementing an accreditation program for two new levels of pharmaceutical outlets—Model Pharmacy and Model Medicine Shop—based on the new standards.
Factors influencing Grade A pharmacists
Factors that positively influenced Grade A pharmacists to work in Model Pharmacies
included opportunities for further learning, a good working environment, and preferable job location. Negative factors included low salary, perceived lower social status, long working hours, and a preference for work in a pharmaceutical company.
Perceptions of Grade B pharmacists’ role at Model Pharmacies
Although Grade B pharmacists perceive themselves as qualified to be in charge at Model Pharmacies, most Grade A pharmacists and stakeholders interviewed disagreed. However, stakeholders from the Bangladesh Chemists and Druggists Samity (BCDS) and diploma institutes favour an upgrade to Grade B pharmacist training curriculum to properly prepare them for this role.
Overall, the stakeholders recommended proper monitoring to prevent the operation of unregistered and poorly performing pharmacies and to increase the pharmacists’ salaries and benefits to encourage their employment at Model Pharmacies and Model Medicine Shops.
