Nabil Fakih Explains the Role of Pharmacists During Times of Crisis

The current novel coronavirus epidemic is a grave concern across the world. The US government has raised a nationwide alert about the virus. Nabil Fakih, a former member of the State of Michigan Board of Pharmacy, said pharmacists could play a key role during this time of crisis.

Working with other medical staff
Clinical pharmacists are working closely with other members of the medical field. They monitor people who might have contracted the virus. Since this is a new virus, experts are also working hard to find the best procedures to help patients while keeping healthcare workers safe.

The virus is a novel strain, which means that there is no known cure for it yet. Medical practitioners are also trying to find a possible treatment or cure for the victims.

Other support roles
Nabil Fakih notes that the powerful role of pharmacists during emergencies extends beyond direct contact with patients and clinical experiments. During the SARS breakout in 2002-2003, community pharmacists became frontline healthcare providers.

They could also provide the following support:

• monitor trustworthy sources of information to keep abreast of news and the latest developments;
• share information with the community to keep rumors or false news from spreading, which could help keep people calm;
• educate the public about the correct ways to keep clean since these can help stop the coronavirus from spreading;
• become a hub for the emergency plan of the community.

Like other medical experts, pharmacists are always trained to be prepared for unforeseen events. Nabil Fakih said that this training is essential.

Pharmacists need to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills, so they know what to do during emergencies.

Of course, if experts create a treatment or cure against the virus, then pharmacists will be at the center of medicine distribution. So they need to have judgment and decision-making skills when they dispense the medicines.

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