Enhancing Health Outcomes through Integration of Primary Healthcare and Public Health: The Critical Role of Pharmacists
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51412/psnnjp.2025.46Keywords:
Primary health care, public health, pharmacist, community pharmacy, universal health coverage, integrated healthcare modelAbstract
Background: Primary health care (PHC) and public health (PH) are dual cornerstones of health systems worldwide. While both aim to improve population health and quality of life, they differ in their approaches and target groups. Integrating PHC and PH is crucial for strengthening health systems, yet the specific role of pharmacists in this integration, despite their significant contribution to universal health coverage remains underexplored in the literature.
Objective: This review aims to appraise the documented roles and impact of pharmacists in the integration of primary health care and public health.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. Original research publications that focused on pharmacists' role in primary health care, public health, community pharmacy, universal health coverage, and integrated healthcare were included. Atotal of 61 articles were selected for analysis.
Result: The review identified successful models of integrated healthcare from countries like the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Brazil, and Nigeria that effectively utilize pharmacists' expertise. Key findings demonstrate that pharmacists significantly improve patient quality of life, manage communicable and non-communicable diseases, conduct screenings for terminal illnesses, provide immunization and mass vaccination services, and support family planning. These roles prove essential in bridging individual patient care with public health objectives.
Conclusion: Pharmacists are pivotal in successfully integrating PHC and PH, with proven impacts on health outcomes. To replicate this success, it is recommended that governments in developing countries collaborate with international organizations and non-governmental actors to adopt and adapt these evidence-based, pharmacist-inclusive models for improved public health at all levels
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