Transformation in pharmacy education to meet the current demand

Around the world, pharmacy education is undergoing significant transformation to advance the practice of pharmacy and improve patient outcomes. Pharmacists are moving beyond dispensing medications toward more advanced services such as comprehensive medication safety systems, collaborative drug therapy management and improving transitions of care. Pharmacy schools should be very careful while reviewing and changing their curricula as such changes should be “needs‑based” after assessing the local current needs and future demands of the profession. Changes in the curricula should not be solely based on the changes in the roles of pharmacists internationally. Academic institution may learn from international experiences, but a deep thought should be given to applicability of a particular innovation in the local context. The pharmacy curricula should prepare the students to face the challenge in this 21st century such as the 4th industrial revolution that involves artificial intelligence, big data analytics and automation among others. The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in transforming our world by 2030 should also be considered in designing the curricula. These goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The Goals address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The transformation in pharmacy education should also be in line with the Malaysia National Philosophy of Education which aims to produce Malaysian citizens who are knowledgeable and competent, who possess high moral standards, and who are responsible and capable of achieving high level of personal well-being as well as being able to contribute to the harmony and betterment of the family, the society and the nation at large