Decolonizing Pharmaceutical Services and Professionalism: Toward Equity and Inclusivity in Integrative Healthcare in Ethiopia

Despite being highly accessible healthcare workers, pharmacists are often viewed as supportive and ancillary workers rather than integral members of the healthcare team. In contrast to the current global professional development, the pharmacy profession in Ethiopia has been neglected. This perception is reflected in the Ethiopian Ministry of Health's characterization of pharmacy services as the "last stage for client services" in its national hospital services transformation guideline. Additionally, one of the “biggest pathologies” of pharmacy professional practice and ethics is the commercialization of pharmaceutical services and professional licenses. The authors believe that the current pharmacy practice and professionalism should be decolonized in Ethiopia. In this context, we have compiled existing data that indicates the need for the decolonization of pharmaceutical services and professionalism. The concept of decolonization is seen from different perspectives. The first is "self-decolonization," which refers to pharmacists' moral and professional dedication to their profession. The second is the "decolonization of pharmacy knowledge and practice" from third parties. This will involve considering the professional worth and skill of pharmacists at every job platform and site based on the curriculum's scope of practice. Furthermore, avoiding activities that impede pharmacists' professional development and careers, as well as preconceived conceptions. Third, the recognition of pharmacists' professional worth and skills by all healthcare stakeholders. We believe that by making the professional activity of all pharmacists visible and addressing the challenges they face, tomorrow’s healthcare system can better utilize the expertise and accessibility of pharmacists to provide effective and efficient care.

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