The basic duty of a pharmacist is to check prescriptions from physicians before dispensing the medication to the patients to ensure that the patients don’t receive the wrong drugs or take an incorrect dose of medicine.
What does a pharmacist do ?
Pharmacists are responsible for:
- the quality of medicines supplied to patients
- ensuring that the supply of medicines is within the law
- ensuring that the medicines prescribed to patients are suitable
- advising patients about medicines, including how to take them, what reactions may occur and answering patients’ questions.
Pharmacists also:
- supervise the medicines supply chain and ensure pharmacy premises and systems are fit for purpose
- advise other healthcare professionals about safe and effective medicines use, and safe and secure supply of medicines
- respond to patients’ symptoms and advise on medicines for sale in pharmacies
- provide services to patients, such as smoking cessation, blood pressure measurement and cholesterol management
- supervise the production and preparation of medicines and assessments of quality of medicines before they are supplied to patients from pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Where do pharmacists work?
Pharmacists work in many different work environments. These include:
- Community pharmacies (sometimes called retail or high street pharmacy) and hospitals. Most pharmacists work in community and hospital pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical production or sales in the pharmaceutical industry
- Primary care organizations, universities in teaching and research, the military, veterinary pharmacy and pharmacy organizations.
Pharmacist registration
A person calling themselves a pharmacist must be registered with the Egyptian MOH and pharmacists Egyptian Syndicate act.

Prepares medications by reviewing and interpreting physician orders and detecting therapeutic incompatibilities. Dispenses medications by compounding, packaging, and labeling pharmaceuticals. Controls medications by monitoring drug therapies; advising interventions.
Pharmacist certification in Egypt
College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing
professional and clinical education leading to degrees in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
extensive educational program will prepare the pharmacist to be a member of the healthcare management team.
The pharmacist is integrated in the process of drug use decision making and in some cases responsible for the selection of the appropriate medication(s), dosage form(s), does(s) and dose schedule(s).
The pharmaceutical sciences derive their basic strength from the interdisciplinary nature of the programs along with their world renowned reputation as leaders in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and biopharmaceutics and pharmaceutical science link analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology and toxicology, sophisticated kinetics, clinical medicine and bioinformatics.
Based on the above mentioned facts, the vision of the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing is to be a distinct college and academically accredited in pharmaceutical sciences, locally , regionally and internationally
Pharmacist graduates according to the National Academic Reference Standards (NARS) , who meet the local and regional labor market and the requirements of advanced drug manufacturing
Pharmacists participate in the public health programme within the national framework of pharmaceutical care in Egypt. Pharmacists are the main contributors to the development of local drug industry.
Pharmacy profession is also responsible for ensuring equity, accessibility and affordability of essential drugs and vaccines to all Egyptian population.
In addition, pharmacist’s role in development of pharmacy education, science and technology, research and continued professional development is essential to meet the global challenges and the new technological development in pharmaceutical sciences.

Faculty Departments
- Microbiology and Immunology.
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology.
- Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy.
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants.
- Pharmacology,Toxicology and Biochemistry.
List of Faculty of Pharmacies in Egypt
- Cairo University
- BUE
- MSA University
- Misr International University
- Pharmacy and Biotechnology | German University in Cairo
- ALEXANDRIA University
- Mansoura University
- Ain Shams University
- Assiut University
- Tanta University
- Minia University
- Horus University
- The Egyptian Chinese University
- 6 October University
- MTI University
- Heliopolis University
- Ahram Canadian University
- MUST | College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing
- Egyptian Russian University
- Kafr el-sheikh
- AASTMT
- Mansoura University
- Pharos University in Alexandria
- Zagazig University
- Benha University
- Merit University
- Helwan University
- Faculty of Pharmacy | Nahda University in Beni Suef (NUB)
”Egypt faculty of pharmacies are growing in number of Campuses every year to population and market growth.”
complete reading “What does a pharmacist do”
Pharmacists Events in Cairo – Egypt, Events and Conferences
Also, What does a pharmacist do !!
PHARMACY EXPO is the main platform for those who are planning to expand the scope of their business through several channels such as distribution companies, wholesalers as well as other decision-makers associated with pharmacy’s business arriving to the pharmacy owners; it the ideal event to launch & promote new products and services in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and health care business.
Undoubtedly, brand awareness is a cornerstone for any business success; it costs a lot of time, efforts and money but In PHARMACY EXPO that cost will dwindle while the outcome will be amazing, as the marketing message will go through faster, easier and much more effective.
Pharmacy Education
A five-year pharmacy education programme, offering a bachelor’s degree of pharmaceutical sciences (B. Pharm. Sci.), should:
- Provide the appropriate mix of basic, pharmaceutical, medical, social, behavioral, management, health and environmental sciences as well as pharmacy practice to support the role of pharmacists in multidisciplinary health team;
- Enhance pharmaceutical care and problem solving approaches;
- Promote knowledge of pharmacoeconomics as well as communication, presentation and management skills;
- Encourage lifelong-learning and evidence-based practices; and
- Develop and implement an efficient system for quality assurance and accreditation.Pharmacy programmes must be regularly evaluated and the content of the curriculum must be revised and assessed to conform to the NARS and ensure relevance to recent advances in pharmacy practice.
The majority of pharmacists in Egypt work in community pharmacies followed by hospitals as well as industrial, academic and research institutions.
Pharmacists are also involved in other professional practices including forensic services, biomedical laboratories, cosmetic industry, veterinary medicines and military pharmacy services. Furthermore, a large number of Egyptian pharmacists work abroad, mainly in Arab countries.
Pharmacy graduates work in a multi-disciplinary profession and must acquire the necessary attributes in various pharmacy aspects for pursuing their career.
I. National Academic Reference Standards (NARS)
1. Attributes of the Graduates
Pharmacy graduates work in a multi-disciplinary profession and must acquire the necessary attributes in various pharmacy aspects for pursuing their career. They should demonstrate comprehensive knowledge, clear understanding and outstanding skills as follows:
1.1. Handle chemicals and pharmaceutical products effectively and safely with respect to relevant laws and legislations.
1.2. Capable of formulating, preparing pharmaceutical products from different sources and participating in systems for dispensing, storage and distribution of medications.
1.3. Perform various qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques and fulfill criteria of GLP and GPMP to assure the quality of raw materials, procedures and pharmaceutical products.
1.4. Provide information and education services to community and patients about rational use of medications and medical devices.
1.5. Comprehend principles of pathophysiology of diseases and participate with other health care professionals in improving health care services using evidence-based data.
1.6. Plan, design and conduct research using appropriate methodologies.
1.7. Develop presentation, promotion, marketing, business administration, numeric and computation skills.
1.8. Demonstrate capability of communication skills, time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making and team-working.
1.9. Perform responsibilities in compliance with legal, ethical and professional rules.
1.10.Able to be a life-long learner for continuous improvement of professional knowledge and skills.
2. Knowledge and Understanding
The pharmacy graduate must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and clear understanding of the core information associated with the profession as follows:
2.1. Principles of basic, pharmaceutical, medical, social, behavioral, management, health and environmental sciences as well as pharmacy practice.
2.2. Physico-chemicalpropertiesofvarioussubstancesused in preparation of medicines including inactive and active ingredients as well as biotechnology and radio- labeled products.
2.3. Principles of different analytical techniques using GLP guidelines and validation procedures.
2.4. Principles of isolation, synthesis, purification, identification, and standardization methods of pharmaceutical compounds.
2.5. Principlesofdrugdesign,developmentandsynthesis.
2.6. Properties of different pharmaceutical dosage forms including novel drug delivery systems.
2.7. Principles of various instruments and techniques
including sampling, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, storing and distribution processes in pharmaceutical industry.
2.8. Principles of pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics with applications in therapeutic drug monitoring, dose modification and bioequivalence studies.
2.9. Principles of hospital pharmacy including I.V. admixtures, TPN and drug distribution system.
2.10.Principles of public health issues including sources and control of microbial contamination as well as sanitation, disinfection, sterilization methods and microbiological QC of pharmaceutical products.
2.11. Principles of body function in health and disease states as well as basis of genomic and different biochemical pathways regarding their correlation with different diseases.
2.12. Etiology, epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis and clinical features of different diseases and their pharmacotherapeutic approaches.
2.13. Pharmacological properties of drugs including mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, dosage, contra-indications, ADRs and drug interactions.
2.14. Principles of clinical pharmacology, pharmacovigilance and the rational use of drugs.
2.15. Basisofcomplementaryandalternativemedicine.
2.16. Toxic profile of drugs and other xenobiotics including sources, identification, symptoms, management control and first aid measures.
2.17. Methods of biostatistical analysis and pharmaceutical calculations.
2.18. Principles of management including financial and human resources.
2.19. Principles of drug promotion, sales and marketing,
business administration, accounting and pharmacoeconomics.
2.20. Principles of proper documentation and drug filing systems.
2.21. Regulatory affairs, pharmacy laws and ethics of health care and pharmacy profession.
3. Professional and Practical Skills
3.1. Use the proper pharmaceutical and medical terms, abbreviations and symbols in pharmacy practice.
3.2. Handle and dispose chemicals and pharmaceutical preparations safely.
3.3. Compound, dispense, label, store and distribute medicines effectively and safely.
3.4. Extract, isolate, synthesize, purify, identify, and/or standardize active substances from different origins.
3.5. Select medicines based on understanding of etiology and pathophysiology of diseases.
3.6. Monitor and control microbial growth and carry out laboratory tests for identification of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
3.7. Assess toxicity profiles of different xenobiotics and detect poisons in biological specimens.
3.8. Apply techniques used in operating pharmaceutical equipment and instruments.
3.9. Maintain public awareness on rational use of drugs and social health hazards of drug abuse and misuse.
3.10. Advise patients and other health care professionals about safe and proper use of medicines.
3.11. Conduct research studies and analyze the results.
3.12. Employ proper documentation and drug filing
systems.
4. Intellectual Skills
4.1. Apply pharmaceutical knowledge in the formulation of safe and effective medicines as well as in dealing with new drug delivery systems.
4.2. Comprehend and apply GLP, GPMP, GSP and GCP guidelines in pharmacy practice.
4.3. Apply qualitative and quantitative analytical and biological methods for QC and assay of raw materials as well as pharmaceutical preparations.
4.4. Recognize and control possible physical and/or chemical incompatibilities that may occur during drug dispensing.
4.5. Select the appropriate methods of isolation, synthesis, purification, identification, and standardization of active substances from different origins.
4.6. Apply the principles of bio-informatics and computer-aided tools in drug design.
4.7. Apply various principles to determine the characteristics of biopharmaceutical products.
4.8. Select and assess appropriate methods of infection
control to prevent infections and promote public health.
4.9. Utilize the pharmacological basis of therapeutics in
the proper selection and use of drugs in various disease conditions.
4.10. Calculate and adjust dosage and dose regimen of medications.
4.11. Assess drug interactions, ADRs and pharmacovigilance.
4.12. Apply the principles of pharmacoeconomics in promoting cost/effective pharmacotherapy.
4.13. Analyze and interpret experimental results as well as published literature.
4.14. Analyze and evaluate evidence-based information needed in pharmacy practice.
5. General and Transferable Skills
5.1. Communicate clearly by verbal and written means.
5.2. Retrieve and evaluate information from different sources to improve professional competencies.
5.3. Work effectively in a team.
5.4. Use numeracy, calculation and statistical methods as well as information technology tools.
5.5. Practice independent learning needed for continuous professional development.
5.6. Adopt ethical, legal and safety guidelines.
5.7. Develop financial, sales and market management skills.
5.8. Demonstrate creativity and time management abilities.
5.9. Implement writing and presentation skills.
5.10. Demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
II. Curriculum Structure
Sciences |
Subjects |
Basic 10-15% |
Physical, organic and analytical chemistry; biology; biophysics; computer sciences; mathematics. |
Pharmaceutical 35-40% |
Pharmacy orientation; medical terminology; physical pharmacy; pharmaceutics; industrial pharmacy; pharmaceutical technology; biopharmaceutics; pharmacokinetics; pharmaceutical chemistry; pharmacognosy; pharmaceutical microbiology; molecular biology and pharmaceutical biotechnology; quality assurance and quality control; instrumental analysis; biological drug assays. |
Medical 20-25% |
Anatomy; histology; physiology and pathology; biochemistry; parasitology; pharmacology; clinical pharmacology; therapeutics; medical microbiology; immunology and virology. |
pharmacy practice |
Pharmaceutical care and professional pharmacy (clinical, hospital,
|
10-15 % |
community… etc); complementary and alternative medicines; drug and poison information; pharmacy laws and regulations. |
Health and environmental 5-10 % |
Public health; Egyptian health system and its policies; biostatistics; healthy lifestyle; toxicology and forensic medicine; first aid and emergency medicine. |
behavioral and social 2-4% |
Psychology; communication; social and administrative pharmacy; pharmacy ethics. |
pharmacy management 2-4% |
Sales, marketing and drug promotion; pharmaceutical business administration; pharmacoeconomics. |
Discretionary up to 8% |
Professional and non-professional sciences. |
Summer training (as not less than 300 hours in a pharmaceutical location) should be included in B. Pharm. Sci. programme.
Most of Egyptian Pharmacist Graduates working in Private Sector Pharmacies and chains as
- Gardenia chain of Pharmacies | Offline Online Pharmacy
- El Ezaby Pharmacy
- Misr Pharmacies | Online Offline Pharmacy
- Virtual pharmacy as Vezeeta
- Virtual pharmacy as Rosheta
- Virtual pharmacy as Yodawy
- Virtual pharmacy as Alagzakhana
- Virtual pharmacy as Egyptian drug store
- Virtual pharmacy as pershama
Finally, Only few Chain of pharmacies are trusted over years to establish online pharmacy store after establishing physical drug stores since 2011. What does a pharmacist do !!
III. Glossary
- Institution
A University, faculty or higher institute providing education programs leading to a first university degree or a higher degree (Master’s or Doctorate).
- Graduate AttributesCompetencies expected from the graduate based on the acquired knowledge and skills gained upon completion of a particular program.
- National Academic Reference Standards (NARS)Reference points designed by NAQAAE to outline / describe the expected minimum knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the requirements of a program of study.
- Academic StandardsReference points prescribed (defined) by an institution comprising the collective knowledge and skills to be gained by the graduates of a particular program. The academic standards should surpass the NARS, and be approved by NAQAAE.
- Subject Benchmark StatementsGuideline statements that detail what can be expected of a
graduate in terms of the learning outcomes to satisfy the
standards set for the program. They enable the outcomes to be compared, reviewed and evaluated against agreed upon standards.
- The ProgramA set of educational courses and activities designed by the institution to determine the systematic learning progress as the program also imparts the intended competencies required for the award of an academic degree.
- Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)Subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skills intended by the institution to be gained by the learners completing a particular educational activity and the ILOs emphasize what is expected that learners will be able to do as a result of a learning activity.
- Knowledge and UnderstandingKnowledge is the intended information to be gained from an educational activity including facts, terms, theories and basic concepts. Understanding involves comprehending and grasping the meaning or the underlying explanation of scientific objects.
- Intellectual SkillsLearning and cognitive capabilities that involve critical thinking and creativity. These include application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information.
10. Professional and Practical Skills
Application of specialized knowledge, training and proficiency in a subject or field to attain successful career development and personal advancement.
11. General and Transferable Skills
Skills that are not subject-specific and commonly needed in education, employment, life-long learning and self development. These skills include communication, team work, numeracy, independent learning, interpersonal relationship, and problem solving… etc. that’s why What does a pharmacist do is a big and a great JOB.