BRIDGING HEALTH AND GOVERNANCE: THE ROLE OF PHARMACIES IN LOCAL SYSTEMS

Abstract

Community pharmacies have transcended their traditional role as medication dispensers to become integral components of local health and governance systems, acting as accessible hubs for clinical services, public health interventions, and policy implementation [1], [2]. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 2000 to 2025, analyzing over 500 peer-reviewed studies to explore how pharmacies bridge health delivery and governance. Key findings highlight their contributions to chronic disease management, vaccination campaigns, and health equity in underserved areas, alongside their role in data sharing and local policy execution [3], [4]. Despite barriers like funding shortages and regulatory fragmentation, pharmacies demonstrate resilience through innovative integration models [5]. The review proposes a novel framework, "Pharmacies as Health-Governance Bridges," to guide future synergies. Recommendations include standardized metrics, increased funding, and technology adoption to enhance system resilience. This paper underscores the urgent need for policy reforms to fully leverage pharmacies in building equitable, responsive local health systems [6], [7].