Pharmacy Student Jagriti Verma: Healthcare Voices

“As a pharmacy student and a pharmacist, I know about the uses and side effects of medicines”

Name: Jagriti Verma

Birthplace: Bindki, Dist. Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

Education Qualification: Bachelor of Pharmacy, [(KIT&P), Kanpur Institute of Technology and Pharmacy]

Current Designation: Fresher graduate

What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy, and how has your role evolved in the changing landscape of healthcare?

In today’s times, seeing the increasing number of diseases and the demand for medicines, I was inspired to do pharmacy. As a pharmacy student and a pharmacist, I know about the uses and side effects of medicines. I want to work for a reputed pharmaceutical company. So that I can know about the process of manufacturing and testing drugs and can give people knowledge about medicines. And I can provide medicines to those people who cannot afford their medicines due to low income.

How do you stay informed about new medications, drug interactions, and pharmaceutical advancements to ensure accurate and up-to-date information for patients?

I read books related to medicines and attend pharmaceutical certification courses and training programs. I collect information about what new developments have happened in the pharmaceutical market related to drugs. By doing all this, I stay informed about new medications, drug interactions, and pharmaceutical advancements to ensure accurate and up-to-date information for patients.

Can you discuss the importance of patient counseling in a pharmacy setting, particularly regarding medication adherence and potential side effects?

Yes, I can discuss the importance of patient counseling in a pharmacy setting. Patient counseling is very important. Through patient counseling, the patient’s problem is understood, and medicines are given. Patient counseling helps the patient understand when and how to take the medicine and how long the medicine should be taken so that the patient gets better quickly.

How do you handle situations where a patient’s prescribed medication conflicts with their existing health conditions or other medications?

If any patient faces conflict with the prescribed medication, then I would suggest that he or she stop taking that particular medicine. I will examine the cause. If the patient is suffering because of their prescribed medication, then they will be required to change their medicines.

In your experience, what role does community pharmacy play in promoting public health, and how do you contribute to this aspect of your practice?

The role of community pharmacy is that of dispensing medication. Community pharmacies conduct health surveys and organize health camps for public health. The role of community pharmacists is to know about the patient’s disease, medication, uses, and adverse drug reactions.

How do you approach patients seeking over-the-counter medications, and what strategies do you use to ensure their safe and effective use?

I verify with the patient whether he is taking OTC medications, how long he has been taking them, and whether he is taking them only for a normal problem or if he is taking them for a serious problem. And I will advise them not to take these medicines for a long time.

Could you share a challenging case where your expertise as a pharmacist was crucial in optimizing a patient’s medication regimen?

A pharmacist plays a vital role in optimizing the regimen for patients. The pharmacist handles the multitasking tasks with his knowledge and experience to help the patients with treatment. It is a challenging case where our expertise as pharmacists was crucial in optimizing a patient’s medication regimen.

How do you manage the balance between the business aspects of a pharmacy and ensuring the highest standard of patient care and safety?

I listened to the patient’s problem properly and delivered the right solution. I will provide medicines at a low cost and will also share knowledge about medicines.

In the context of evolving technologies, how do you see the role of pharmacists changing in the future, especially in terms of patient engagement and education?

Pharmacists will play an important role in the healthcare and pharmacy industries in the future. Pharmacists might be used to improve patient outcomes by increasing medication adherence, which is very helpful for the future.

What initiatives or services do you believe pharmacies can introduce to further support community health and well-being?

By giving healthy eating advice, doing health awareness programs, organizing health camps, and making people aware of health and medicines.

(Jagriti Verma/Healthcare Voices)