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PERCEPTION OF ACADEMIC PHARMACISTS TOWARDS THEIR ROLE IN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY, PAKISTAN: A QUANTITATIVE SIGHT.

To investigate perception of academic pharmacists towards their role in healthcare system of a developing country, Pakistan, was the aim of this study. The study participants consisted of academic pharmacists from the government and private universities of Pakistan. Study was conducted for a period of three months, from January to March 2011, in Pakistan. Academic pharmacists were informed regarding the aim, objective and nature of the study. Verbal consent was given and execution of the study took place. Main sections of the questionnaire were comprised of series of statements pertaining to pharmacist perception and experience with the pharmacists. During the period, of January to April, the total number of questionnaires received from different government and private universities was 113. The response rate based on the 205 academic pharmacists working in universities during the study period was 63.9%. A majority (93.9%) of the respondents were satisfied working as academic pharmacist, 68.7% expressed that their interest in research is the reason to embark carrier as an academic pharmacist. Only half (55.7%) of the respondents agreed about pharmacy curriculum standard in Pakistan, and their satisfaction towards curriculum is less, as after the implementation of Pharm. D. (Doctor of Pharmacy). In the country, the curriculum is still focusing more towards theoretical knowledge rather than practical. In this case significant difference was noted with respect to university (p = 0.012). Academic pharmacists do have concern about the pharmacy profession in Pakistan. They ascertain the key issues facing the profession and its educators. Recommendations have been made to improve the current pharmacy curricula in order that future pharmacists in Pakistan practice effectively with the collaboration of other healthcare professionals.