The Bahrain Pharmacists Society’s chairperson, Rehab Al Noaimi, has raised concerns about private hospitals and clinics restricting patients’ choice of pharmacy. In a statement to the Daily Tribune, she emphasized that these practices violate patient rights and the importance of selecting a pharmacy as a fundamental right. Al Noaimi called for stricter oversight to ensure compliance with laws protecting patient rights, prevent monopolies, and promote fair competition in the healthcare sector. She highlighted the need for specialized pharmacists, such as clinical pharmacists, oncology pharmacists, pharmacogenomics pharmacists, and economic pharmacists, as well as the importance of leveraging digital pharmacy technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Al Noaimi explained the differences between innovative and generic drugs, stating that innovative drugs are original medications protected by patents, while generic drugs are more affordable alternatives with the same active ingredients. She also discussed recent amendments to the pharmacists’ law aimed at improving sector regulation and efficiency, including removing restrictions on the number of pharmacies allowed and strengthening pharmacists’ roles in providing advanced consulting services. Additionally, Al Noaimi addressed the licensing of retired pharmacists, with the approval of licensing retired pharmacists to participate in scientific conferences, provide training, and offer consulting services to transfer their expertise to younger pharmacists.
The healthcare sector in Bahrain has witnessed significant advancements, particularly in the pharmacy field, prompting the need for adaptation. Al Noaimi stressed the importance of specialized pharmacists in providing expert advice, tailoring treatments based on genetic factors, and analyzing cost-effectiveness of medications. She also highlighted the use of digital pharmacy technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics to optimize medication dispensing and improve patient care. Al Noaimi’s comments underscore the evolving nature of the pharmacy profession and the importance of staying informed and up-to-date on advancements in the field.
In response to practices by some private hospitals and clinics directing patients to their on-site pharmacies rather than issuing prescriptions, Al Noaimi called for stricter oversight to ensure compliance with laws protecting patient rights and choices. She emphasized that selecting a pharmacy is a fundamental patient right and highlighted the importance of adhering to regulations to prevent monopolies and ensure fair competition in the healthcare sector. Al Noaimi’s statements reflect a commitment to advocating for patient rights and promoting transparency and accountability in the pharmacy profession to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services.
Overall, Al Noaimi’s remarks highlight the importance of patient choice in selecting a pharmacy and the need for the healthcare sector to adapt to advancements in the pharmacy field. She emphasized the role of specialized pharmacists in providing expert advice and tailoring treatments based on genetic factors, as well as the use of digital pharmacy technologies to optimize medication dispensing. Al Noaimi also discussed recent amendments to the pharmacists’ law aimed at improving sector regulation and efficiency, as well as the licensing of retired pharmacists to transfer their expertise to younger pharmacists.
