PHARMACIST'S ROLE IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE UNIT PHARMACIES: STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE THE RATIONAL USE OF MEDICINES

Abstract

Primary Health Care (PHC) is the main gateway to the Unified Health System (SUS) and is responsible for health promotion, disease prevention, and continuous monitoring of the population. In this context, pharmaceutical services play an essential role in ensuring access, safety, and the rational use of medicines in Primary Health Care Units. The present study aimed to identify, through scientific literature, how pharmacists perform in primary care pharmacies, with emphasis on strategies aimed at promoting the rational use of medicines. This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study, developed through a literature review, with data collected from the Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed, and SciELO databases, using descriptors related to pharmaceutical services, primary health care, and rational use of medicines. Studies published between 2020 and 2026, available in full text in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, were included. The results showed that pharmacists perform clinical, educational, and managerial roles, acting in qualified dispensing, pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, health education, and integration with the multidisciplinary team. It was also observed that their performance contributes to the prevention of drug-related problems, treatment adherence, and patient safety. It is concluded that pharmacists play a strategic role in improving health care quality and consolidating the rational use of medicines, although structural and organizational challenges still limit the expansion of their role in primary care.