Pharmacy is the profession concerned with the art and science of preparing from natural and synthetic sources suitable and convenient dosage forms for distribution and use in the treatment and prevention of disease. Pharmacy embraces knowledge of the identification, selection, pharmacologic action, preservation, combination, analysis, and standardisation of drugs and medicines. It also includes their proper and safe distribution and use, whether dispensed on the prescription of a physician, dentist, or veterinarian, or when it is dispensed directly to the consumer. As part of a knowledge system in which drugs and people interact, pharmacy also embraces an understanding of social and behavioural aspects of the use of medicines.

The pharmacist is a specialist in drug therapy and is expected to provide adequate pharmaceutical care for patients. This includes evaluating the patient's drug therapy record; ensuring safe procurement, storage, preparation and dispensing of pharmaceutical products; discussing actual or potential drug-related problems with patients, their physicians and caregivers; monitoring drug therapy to identify drug-related problems; advising patients on selection and use of non-prescription drugs, directing patients to consult physicians for diagnosis and treatment when required; notifying physicians of actual or suspected adverse reactions to drugs and providing specific information to patients.