The paradox of community pharmacy practice in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Abstract

Community pharmacies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are widely accessible yet underutilized due to regulatory constraints, educational disparities, public misconceptions, and economic pressures. These factors limit pharmacists' roles to mere dispensers, hindering their integration into healthcare systems. Addressing this paradox requires regulatory reforms, alignment of education with practice, public awareness campaigns, and systemic integration to fully leverage community pharmacies' potential in enhancing healthcare delivery.