Spain's community pharmacies expand role in rural healthcare

Community pharmacies in Spain are increasingly serving as vital healthcare gateways, particularly in rural regions characterized by geographic dispersion and aging populations. In Galicia, the pharmacy network plays a significant role, with nearly 80% of its 1,384 pharmacies located outside provincial capitals. Recent advancements include the implementation of electronic prescriptions for MUFACE mutualists and the ‘sentinel pharmacy’ project, which uses 70 locations to monitor epidemiological trends like influenza.

In Extremadura, pharmacies act as the primary entry point to the health system in many small municipalities. The region has one of the highest percentages of pharmacies located outside provincial capitals at 84.7%. While digital tools like electronic prescriptions have been adopted, the sector faces challenges regarding the economic sustainability of rural pharmacies and the need for professional recognition under upcoming medication laws.

In Ourense, the declaration of ‘special pharmaceutical zones’ has provided economic support to ensure the viability of pharmacies in low-density areas. These measures aim to guarantee the supply of essential medicines and support new health services, such as specialized schools for women's and rural health.