EMPOWERING COMMUNITY HEALTH: THE ROLE OF PHARMACY IN STRENGTHENING LOCAL SELF-GOVERNANCE IN INDIA

Abstract

 Local self-governance has emerged as a cornerstone of decentralized public health delivery in India following the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which empowered Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to plan and manage health services at the community level [1]. Pharmacists—traditionally focused on drug dispensing—are increasingly recognized as integral actors in public health promotion, medicine supply, and health education [2,3]. This review explores the evolving role of pharmacy in strengthening local self-governance to improve community health outcomes. Drawing on national health policies, case studies, and peer-reviewed evidence, the paper analyses how pharmacists support essential drug distribution, disease surveillance, preventive services, and health system resilience. Special attention is given to programs such as Pradhan Mantri Jan AushadhiYojana, Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, and community-based vaccination drives [4–6]. Challenges such as workforce shortages, regulatory gaps, and limited integration with Panchayat-level health planning are critically assessed. Opportunities include digital health platforms, telepharmacy, and capacity building initiatives for pharmacists at the grassroots level. By situating pharmacy services within the broader framework of decentralized governance, this review highlights a pathway for empowering communities, reducing health inequities, and advancing India’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.