Future of pharmacy: Moldova experts redefine healthcare role
The pharmacy is no longer just a place to buy medicine, but a cornerstone of modern healthcare, according to participants at a conference marking the 80th anniversary of the "Nicolae Testemițanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF) in the capital, Chisinau.
Participants stated that continuous innovation and development are completely redefining the role of the pharmacist. Approximately 1,700 pharmacies operate in the Republic of Moldova.
Eugen Diug graduated from the university in 1970. He is part of the second generation of professional pharmacists in the Republic of Moldova.
"I have mentored six Doctors of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and I was a consultant for a habilitation thesis, which speaks to the development specifically in all aspects of drug research. I focused on technology and advising on medicines that can be prepared both in pharmacies (compounded medicines) and those prepared in manufacturing facilities," mentioned Eugen Diug, a senior researcher and former professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Georgel Bacinschi, meanwhile, has 11 years of experience in the field. The company he represents follows European trends in creating competitive products on the market.
"It has demonstrated that even in the Republic of Moldova, medicines can be produced according to international standards. Through innovation and research, in collaboration with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, we have introduced new fields in the Republic of Moldova, such as gene bioengineering," Mr Bacinschi said.
The pharmacy of the future means prevention, counselling, and technology, according to Viorel Munteanu, a regional manager of a pharmacy chain.
"The modern pharmacy is not primarily about medicine consumption; it's about promoting a healthy lifestyle and patient counselling, so that the patient always returns to us for advice. Given the fact that it will be digitised and streamlined with certain stages of robotisation, the pharmacist will be able to dedicate much more time to counselling," declared Viorel Munteanu.
Representatives of the USMF state that, over eight decades, the institution has managed to establish itself as a benchmark for medical and pharmaceutical education.
"We have significantly contributed to the development of indigenous products and technology transfer projects, as well as both national and international research projects. The Faculty, together with the university, has made a dramatic transformation," emphasised Livia Uncu, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at USMF.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
