Publication

Abstract : The profession of pharmacy and concept of pharmaceutical care are developing rapidly all over the world. Alongwith this, the responsibility of the pharmacist through utilisation of his technical and professional knowledge inpromoting rational and prudent use of medicine is also increasing. It is well documented that safe and effectivedrug therapy occurs when patients are well informed about medications and their use. Patient counselling is aneffective tool in educating patients about their medicines and promoting their scientific and proper use. Theconcept of patient counselling in its modern form originated in India in the mid 1990s. Since then, considerablegrowth and development occurred in the country in the area. Various factors contributed positively for setting thenew trend in pharmacy practice. While matching with the international concepts, the Indian patient counsellingpractice has established its own characteristic features. From the hospital set ups, the concept has percolated deepinto the community set ups in the very recent times. With the introduction of programs like Pharm D, there will befurther growth and development in the area of patient counselling during the next decade.