Community Health Pharmacists’s Situation in the Scope of the Spanish State. An Analysis of their Duties on Food Higiene in Community of Valencia

Abstract

Background: We intend to show the Community Health pharmacists’s situation in the different Autonomous Communities of the State, independently from their health. With regard to the Community of Valencia, we propose to integrate the Community Health pharmacists in the health structures of Health Areas, so that they can better fulfil their duties: specially Food Higiene. Methods: The information provided by the Health Services of each Autonomous Community has been used. Data from the Community of Valencia come from the Public Health General Direction and from Valencia Health Service of Generalidad Valenciana. Offícial criteria of periodical inspection in order to study needs have been put into practice. Data process has been computerized. Results: Two kinds of Autonomous Communities have been identified depending on wether they have carried out or not the reorganization and/or the reassignment of duties of Community Health pharmacists. The distribution of Community Health pharmacists in the Autonomous Community of Valencia is shown in its health map, as well as the needs of surveillance for industries and food stablishments within a pharmaceutic scope. Conclusions: The necessity of adaptind the figure of the Community Health pharmacist to the Health General Law appears evident, particulary to heahh structures in the Areas; as well as the conveniente of not making the chemist’s shop possession compatible with the test of duties assigned to this pharmacist´s Body