Role of Hospital Pharmacist
1. Introduction
A hospital pharmacist is a healthcare professional responsible for the procurement, storage,
preparation, dispensing, and monitoring of medicines in a hospital.
They ensure the safe, effective, and rational use of medicines for inpatients, outpatients,
and emergency care.
2. Key Roles & Responsibilities
A. Procurement of Medicines
Select medicines based on hospital formulary and Essential Medicines List
(WHO/NPPA guidelines).
Evaluate cost-effectiveness, availability, and quality.
Liaise with drug suppliers and ensure procurement from licensed vendors only.
Follow tendering procedures in government hospitals.
B. Storage & Inventory Control
Maintain proper storage conditions:
o Temperature: Cold chain for vaccines (2–8°C).
o Humidity control.
o Light protection for photosensitive drugs.
Apply FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) & FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.
Maintain narcotics & psychotropic drugs register as per NDPS Act.
C. Dispensing of Medicines
For inpatients: Dispense unit-dose or ward stock.
For outpatients: Provide prescribed medicines with instructions.
Check prescription legality:
o Patient name, age, date.
o Drug name (generic preferred), strength, dosage form.
o Signature & registration number of prescriber.
Avoid dispensing errors by cross-checking dose, route, and interactions.
D. Patient Counseling
Explain dosage, frequency, duration.
Educate about possible side effects, drug–food interactions.
Demonstrate correct use of inhalers, injectables, eye drops, etc.
Counsel on compliance/adherence.
E. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)
Monitor plasma drug levels of narrow therapeutic index drugs (e.g., Digoxin,
Phenytoin).
Adjust doses in renal/hepatic impairment.
Collaborate with doctors for dose modifications.
F. Pharmacovigilance
Detect, assess, and report Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) to PvPI
(Pharmacovigilance Programme of India).
Encourage spontaneous reporting from healthcare staff.
G. Clinical & Ward-based Services
Participate in ward rounds with doctors & nurses.
Advise on drug selection, dosing, and IV compatibility.
Prepare parenteral admixtures in aseptic conditions.
H. Drug Information Services
Maintain Drug Information Centre (DIC) in hospital.
Provide up-to-date references from:
o Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP)
o British National Formulary (BNF)
o Martindale
Answer drug queries from healthcare professionals.
I. Compounding & Extemporaneous Preparation
Prepare individualized formulations when commercial products are unavailable.
Ensure sterility, stability, and labeling.
J. Quality Assurance
Verify quality of medicines received from suppliers.
Conduct in-house quality checks or send samples to approved labs.
K. Education & Training
Train intern pharmacists, nurses, and other staff on drug use and safety.
Organize Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE).
L. Administrative Roles
Maintain records for audits & inspections.
Comply with Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Rules, 1945.
Implement hospital’s Antibiotic Stewardship Program.
3. Legal & Ethical Responsibilities
Dispense only prescription drugs on valid prescription.
Maintain confidentiality of patient medical records.
Avoid conflict of interest with pharmaceutical companies.
4. Importance in Public Health
Ensures rational drug use.
Helps in antimicrobial resistance control.
Supports national health programs (TB, HIV, vaccination).
5. Differences in Role – Pharmacist vs Drug Inspector
Aspect Hospital Pharmacist Drug Inspector
Workplace Hospital / Clinical Drug Control Dept.
Main Role Patient care & medicine supply Regulatory enforcement
Key Functions Dispensing, counseling, TDM Inspection, licensing, quality control
Law Enforcement Limited Full authority under D&C Act
Focus Therapeutic use Market regulation
6. Likely Exam Questions
1. Define FEFO and FIFO in hospital pharmacy.
2. Mention any three responsibilities of a hospital pharmacist.
3. What is the role of a hospital pharmacist in pharmacovigilance?
4. List storage conditions for vaccines.
5. Differentiate between hospital pharmacist and drug inspector.
