A pharmacist reflects on the profound transformations in pharmacies in Lithuania over three decades of independence.
V. Beฤelytฤ, a pharmacist who began her career in a state pharmacy in 1983, shares her experiences and observations about the significant changes in pharmacy practices and environments in Lithuania since independence. She recalls the time when pharmacies were numbered, and her tasks included simple duties like measuring powdered medicines and preparing ointments, emphasizing the sensory experience of working with medications that prevailed back then.
She contrasts this with the present, where the atmosphere of pharmacies has dramatically shifted. Gone are the days of closed cabinets and limited customer interaction. Today's pharmacies are designed as open spaces with conveniently displayed over-the-counter medicines and products, allowing customers to self-serve and easily identify prices and usage information. This modernization reflects broader societal changes and increasing consumer autonomy in Lithuania.
The evolution from a limited selection of pharmaceutical products to a varied and accessible range symbolizes the progress of the Lithuanian pharmacy sector. The dramatic transformation not only highlights advancements in pharmacy practice but also signals a shift in consumer expectations and educational initiatives that empower pharmacists and improve public health outcomes.
