Philippines faces severe shortage of registered pharmacists

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) recently highlighted a significant shortage of pharmacists in the Philippines. Current data shows the country needs 57,500 pharmacists, but only about 30,000 are registered. This means there is a shortfall of 27,500 pharmacists. With only 4,000 new pharmacists certified each year, it could take at least seven years to close the gap. The shortage is worse in rural areas, where patients often struggle to find pharmacies. There should ideally be one pharmacist for every 2,000 people, according to the World Health Organization, but the Philippines has only 0.57 pharmacists for that number. Many pharmacists work in urban areas and larger hospitals, leaving remote communities underserved. PSAC has proposed allowing licensed pharmacists to manage multiple pharmacies remotely. This could help improve access to essential medicines in underserved areas. They also suggest using telepharmacy services and enhancing the roles of pharmacy assistants. The situation is not new. Concerns about a declining number of pharmacy students have existed since 2014. Many people do not see pharmacists as healthcare professionals, which deters them from entering the field. In addition to pharmacists, other healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, are also in short supply. Senator Pia Cayetano has noted a comprehensive shortage in the healthcare sector, urging the government to take action. PSAC has called for regulatory changes to allow pharmacists to oversee multiple establishments. The government could also provide financial support to aspiring healthcare workers and improve salaries and benefits for those already in the field. Given these challenges, the government faces pressure to develop solutions to retain healthcare professionals in the country, especially with the appeal of higher-paying jobs abroad.