Abstract

Pharmacy institutions are one of the key elements in modern healthcare systems throughout the world. Pharmacies can be a part of the public healthcare system at primary, or secondary and tertiary levels. Also, pharmacies can be founded as a private institution, having the same roles and amount of responsibility compared to public ones. The aim of this paper was to examine the role of pharmacies in emergency and catastrophic events. The crucial role of pharmacies is especially emphasized in emergency and catastrophic events when the majority of other healthcare institutions are mobilized in providing more important healthcare activities and services. In those instances, pharmacies represent a primary connection between the patients and community in general and the healthcare system. Proper fulfillment of necessary requirements for registration of pharmacy institutions is essential for its successful operation, but continuous education of pharmacy staff plays an equally important role. The most recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are one additional evidence confirming that pharmacy institutions are an irreplaceable link in the healthcare system chain continuously serving as a first-line connection with all individuals in a community.