The Pharmacist

Page: 24-29

Telepharmacy, the provision of pharmaceutical services through digital and telecommunication platforms, has emerged as a transformative model to expand the reach of pharmacists beyond traditional settings. The rapid adoption of digital health technologies, coupled with increasing demand for accessible healthcare, positions telepharmacy as a vital tool to bridge gaps in patient care. This review explores the opportunities, challenges, and future scope of telepharmacy, particularly in the context of pharmacy practice and community healthcare delivery. The key opportunities include improved access to medications and counselling for patients in underserved and rural areas, enhanced chronic disease management, reduction in healthcare costs, and optimized utilization of pharmacist expertise. Telepharmacy also enables real-time patient monitoring, medication therapy management, and integration with mobile health platforms. However, several barriers hinder its widespread implementation. These include regulatory uncertainties, lack of standardized protocols, concerns regarding data privacy, technological limitations, and reduced patient–pharmacist interaction compared to in-person consultations. From the perspective of pharmacy education and practice, telepharmacy demands new competencies such as digital literacy, advanced communication skills, and regulatory awareness. For Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharmacy) graduates, it presents a unique opportunity to engage with evolving healthcare models and expand professional roles. Future prospects lie in integrating artificial intelligence, mobile applications, and national-level health policy reforms to establish telepharmacy as a sustainable pillar of healthcare delivery. Telepharmacy is not a replacement but a strategic extension of pharmacy services, with the potential to revolutionize patient-centered care in both developed and developing countries.