The Roles of Pharmacists under Psychotropic Substances Laws: A Comparison of Thailand and Japan

Abstract

This article described and reviewed about the roles and duties of pharmacists under the psychotropic substances law between Thailand and Japan. The results showed that the Psychotropic Substances Act of Japan has a strict policy against addiction to psychotropic substances. There are also preventative actions against public health risks and therapy for psychotropic chemical addiction. The Japanese pharmacists are at the forefront of assisting with counseling and dispensing, establishing close relationships with patients, and promoting treatment for psychotropic addiction in healthcare settings. While Thailand has advocated for policies based on the principle that drug users are patients, not criminals, by reducing the penalties for cases involving psychotropic substances to be commensurate with the offense and focusing on the rehabilitation of addicts to return to society.

This article offers an explanation and comparison of legal issues as well as pharmacists' obligations and responsibilities. It is necessary to apply the provisions of international conventions, psychotropic substance laws, and pharmacy professional competencies to explain the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists in regulating psychotropic substances.