What is the main responsibility of a pharmacist?

A pharmacist's primary responsibility is to counsel patients on medication use, which involves educating patients about their prescriptions, including how to take them, potential side effects, interactions with other medications, and the importance of adherence to the prescribed regimen. This counseling role is crucial because it helps ensure that patients understand their treatments and are aware of the necessary precautions, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

While performing drug utilization reviews, handling insurance claims, and managing pharmacy staff are important functions within the pharmacy, they are secondary to the core duty of ensuring patient safety and effectiveness of medication therapy through direct patient interaction and education. The counseling process fosters a therapeutic relationship, enhances patient knowledge, and can significantly impact patient compliance and overall results in healthcare.