Chapter 2 – Pharmacy Practice in Malaysia

The professional roles of pharmacists have evolved in many parts of the world in the recent years, including Malaysia. Malaysia is a developing country with a two-tier healthcare system consisting of the public and private sectors. Pharmacy service in Malaysia came into existence in 1951 with the enactment of three main legislations governing its profession namely, the Registration of Pharmacist Act 1951, Poison Act 1952, and Dangerous Drug Act 1952. Currently, there are approximately 10,000 registered pharmacists in Malaysia, with 33% working in the private sector. Clinical pharmacy services at public hospitals have expanded the traditional dispensing role of the pharmacist to a profession that provides pharmaceutical care to patients and drug information to both public and professionals. However, the practice of dispensing private general practitioners has limited the community pharmacist's professional roles to optimize their clinical knowledge and to deliver pharmaceutical care. Transformation of the healthcare system is essential in order to improve pharmacy practice in Malaysia.