BENGALURU: Pharmacists must view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an assistive tool rather than a threat, and use it to strengthen patient interactions, experts said on World Pharmacists’ Day at an event organised by the Food and Drug Administration, Karnataka, on Tuesday.
While AI is increasingly capable of handling drug dispensing and analysing patient histories in developed countries, experts stressed it cannot replace the personalised care and reassurance that community pharmacists provide.
“Patients visit neighbourhood pharmacies for assurance that their medicines will help them. That reassurance comes from the pharmacist, not technology. AI can never take that away — it is here to support pharmacists,” said Dr Indu Shankar, who has helped set up pharmacies across India.
Dr Shankar noted AI can reduce dispensing errors, improve adherence, optimise supply chains, and support pharmacists in building patient trust. He urged practitioners to upgrade their skills and adopt technology to evolve into clinical consultants and digital health experts, contributing to preventive care and public health.
“In developed nations, pharmacists are treated as medicine experts. Even doctors regularly consult them for drug–drug interactions. Indian pharmacists are not at that level yet — that is where we need to reach,” he said.
Patient counselling and drug safety
Experts also highlighted the need for pharmacists to prioritise patient counselling, particularly to fight antimicrobial resistance and prevent adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
“Physicians may not always have time to counsel patients. Pharmacists should take at least five minutes to explain drug–food and drug–drug interactions. ADRs are the fifth leading cause of death, and pharmacists can save lives while also reporting cases to the **Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI),” said Dr Vithya T, professor at Al Ameen College of Pharmacy.
She cited a case in which a 33-year-old woman died of kidney failure after consuming antibiotics continuously for three months. “Though blame is difficult to fix, pharmacists must be vigilant when refilling antibiotics. Always check prescription dates and play an active role in antibiotic stewardship,” she advised.
