The Revolutionizing of Pharmacy Education: Embracing SDG 4 for a Sustainable Future

Imagine stepping into a world where you, as a Pharmacy student, have the power to transform the very education system that shapes your future as a healthcare professional. This is not just a distant dream, but a reality we have been actively pursuing within IVPN Student .

Our discussions on SDG 4 (Quality Education) have led us to explore the current state of Pharmacy education, the challenges it faces, and the potential solutions or improvements we can bring about. t education for sustainable development is integral to achieving all Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs) practices, particularly within the pharmacy profession. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education forms the cornerstone of the pharmacy curriculum, equipment, students wit education the skills and knowledge to innovate and tackle complex health challenges. This educational approach goes beyond theory, empowering students to develop practical solutions that directly contribute to SDGs. In pharmacy, students explore SDGs within pharmaceutical research and development. By integrating sustainability into their learning, future pharmacists are positioned to lead the charge in creating more equitable and environmentally conscious healthcare systems.

GLOBAL CHALLENGES OF PHARMACY EDUCATION SYSTEM

1. Funding and Resources

Many educational institutions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, face funding constraints that limit access to advanced laboratories, research facilities, and updated educational materials.

2. Clinical Training Opportunities

In some countries, pharmacy students have limited access to clinical training in real-world healthcare settings. This lack of practical experience can hinder their readiness for modern pharmacy practice . Most of the courses in the classroom have corresponding practical classes for the actual practice and a deeper understanding of them, but when limited to theory classes, it affects the quality of the students.

3. Global Standardization

Pharmacy education varies significantly across countries, creating narrow to wide differences and inconsistencies in training, competencies, and professional standards. Harmonizing these can improve international mobility and practice standards for pharmacists.

4. Technological Integration

With the rise of digital health, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine, pharmacy education needs to incorporate technology-based learning, such as electronic health records (EHRs), data analytics, and digital therapeutics.

5. Curriculum Relevance

Pharmacy curricula in many regions struggle to keep pace with evolving healthcare needs. There’s a need to integrate more clinical, digital health, and inter-professional education to prepare students for expanded roles in patient care, rather than just focusing on marketing and dispensing of drugs.

6. Regulatory and Policy Barriers

Regulatory differences in scope of practice and certification requirements create barriers for pharmacy education reforms. This can limit opportunities for students to be trained in expanded roles, such as immunization delivery, chronic disease management, or collaborative drug therapy.

EXPECTED IMPROVEMENT IN PHARMACY EDUCATION SYSTEM

1. Lifelong Learning and Continuing Education

Continuous professional development through modular courses, online programs, and certifications, ensuring pharmacists stay updated on new drugs, treatments, and regulations throughout their careers.

2. Hands-on Experience in Pharmacies

Extending experiential learning programs, such as internships and residencies, in Pharmaceutical industries, hospitals , Community Pharmacies and other areas of practice to provide real-world experience.

3. Simulation-Based Assessments

Using simulations for assessments that mimic real-world clinical or pharmaceutical scenarios.

4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Encouraging teamwork between pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to deliver integrated care. Inter-professional education (IPE) could become a standard part of pharmaceutical education.

5. Integration of Advanced Technologies

AI and Machine Learning: AI tools can enhance drug discovery, personalized medicine, and diagnostics, necessitating their integration into the curriculum to train students in these emerging fields.

6. Tele-pharmacy and E-Health Training

With the rise of digital healthcare, pharmacy students will need training in tele-pharmacy services, digital health tools, and patient counseling via remote means.

7. Funding

Provision of  scholarships and grants by government and private institutions or individuals will provide opportunities for the less privileged to actually attain their academic goals.

8. Research and Innovation

Encouraging more students to engage in research, focusing on areas like drug development, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical innovation. Teaching entrepreneurial skills to help future pharmacists bring innovative products or services to market.

THE ROLE OF PHARMACY STUDENTS IN ATTAINING SDG 4

1. Promoting Health Education

Pharmacy students can engage in health education campaigns within their communities, schools, or public forums. By sharing knowledge on medication safety, proper usage of drugs, and disease prevention, they help improve public health literacy, making healthcare more accessible and understandable for everyone.

2. Pharmacy Advocacy 

Students can advocate for positive change by improving on their skills, engaging with faculty and administration, participating in student organizations, providing feedback on curriculum and teaching methods, promoting initiatives that prioritize practical experience and interdisciplinary collaboration,  building strong connections with mentors.

3. Volunteering in Underserved Communities

Students can volunteer in communities where access to education is limited, helping to disseminate healthcare knowledge, teaching basic first aid, or improving awareness around diseases and treatments. This promotes inclusive and equitable education on health matters.

4. Research and Innovation in Education

By participating in research related to education in healthcare, pharmacy students can identify gaps in current educational systems, propose improvements, and innovate ways to make pharmacy education more accessible and effective.

5. Engaging in Digital Health Literacy

As digital health tools become more prominent, pharmacy students can help people, particularly those with limited digital access, understand how to use these tools effectively. This supports both healthcare and educational inclusivity.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacy students, by leveraging their education and skills, contribute to the global effort to provide inclusive, equitable, and quality education (SDG 4). Their involvement in public health education, research, advocacy, and community outreach helps bridge gaps in knowledge and access, ultimately fostering a healthier and more educated society.

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Article by : Ozioko Malachy Chekwube - IVPN Student  External Relations Committee Member