In recent years, the role of community pharmacies across Europe has undergone a significant transformation. Traditionally associated with dispensing medicines, pharmacies are now increasingly moving towards becoming active healthcare service providers, offering counselling, prevention, and even clinical services.
A recent cross-country study involving pharmacy organisations from 33 countries provides a clear and structured overview of this shift. The conclusion is unmistakable: pharmacies are no longer just dispensing points - they are becoming an integral part of the healthcare system.
Services are expanding and rapidly
Between 2020 and 2025, the range of services provided by community pharmacies has grown considerably. While medicine-related services remain important, entirely new areas have emerged.
The fastest-growing services include:* vaccination services
* medication review and reconciliation
* chronic disease management
This shift means that pharmacists are no longer only medicine experts, but increasingly partners in a person’s health journey.
What is driving this change?
This transformation is not happening by chance. European healthcare systems are facing several major challenges:* an ageing population
* a rising burden of chronic diseases
* increasing workload for doctors and nurses
In this context, pharmacies offer a unique advantage - they are highly accessible, trusted, and present in every community. This positions pharmacists as key contributors to strengthening primary healthcare.
Funding and regulation - the main barriers
Despite the positive developments, progress is uneven. The study highlights that the main barriers are not related to pharmacists’ willingness, but rather to systemic limitations.
Key challenges include:*restrictive or inconsistent legislation
* insufficient funding
* lack of time and workforce constraints
* limited collaboration with other healthcare professionals
For example, while vaccination services are expanding, they are often still subject to regulatory restrictions that limit their full implementation.
Are pharmacists recognised as healthcare providers?
One of the key questions raised by the study is how pharmacists are perceived within the healthcare system. In several countries, pharmacists are still not fully recognised as healthcare providers and this directly affects the scope of services they can deliver.
In reality, pharmacists have the potential to:* improve medication safety
* support disease prevention
* assist patients with chronic conditions
* reduce pressure on the healthcare system
The question is no longer whether pharmacists can take on this role, but whether the system allows them to do so.
What does this mean for Estonia?
Although the study focuses on Europe as a whole, its conclusions are highly relevant for Estonia.
Estonia has a strong professional pharmacy sector and high public trust. However, the next step in development will require:* clearer regulatory frameworks
* sustainable funding models
* stronger collaboration across healthcare sectors
This presents an opportunity to position pharmacies more clearly as an essential part of primary healthcare.
Looking ahead
The evolution of community pharmacy is not a temporary trend - it is part of a broader transformation of healthcare systems.
With the right support, pharmacies can play a key role in:* prevention
* early intervention
* patient-centred care pathways
This is not only a win for pharmacists - it is a win for the entire healthcare system and, most importantly, for patients.
Read the full scientific article HERE