Community pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical care in Pakistan cross-sectional assessment

Background Community pharmacy practice has evolved beyond traditional dispensing roles to encompass comprehensive pharmaceutical care. While this evolution is well-established in developed countries, Pakistan’s community pharmacy sector faces unique challenges in adapting to modern healthcare delivery models. Objective To evaluate the current role perceptions of community pharmacy practitioners in Pakistan and assess the evolution of pharmaceutical care services in community settings. Methods A mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2024 among 220 community pharmacy professionals in Karachi, Pakistan. A validated 30-item questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.705) was administered through online and in-person surveys to assess role perceptions, current practices, and professional development needs. Results Among respondents, 75% identified dispensing and counseling as their primary duties. The most recognized roles were Primary Medication Dispensers (58.6%) and Medication Counselors (57.7%). Self-perception analysis revealed 62.3% viewed themselves as Medication Experts and 55% as Patient Educators. However, involvement in chronic disease management (10–14%) and medication adherence coaching (12–16%) remained limited. Significant evolution in community pharmacy practice was observed by 45.5% of participants, with 47.4% noting moderate expansion in service offerings. Conclusion Pakistani community pharmacists demonstrate strong foundational roles in dispensing and counseling but show limited engagement in advanced clinical services. Systematic improvements in education, regulatory frameworks, and professional recognition are needed to fully realize the potential of community pharmacy in Pakistan's healthcare system.