By Megan Thom
Staff Writer

Although the demand for prescriptions is on the rise, there are fewer pharmacists available to fill them.

While this may upset a person with a runny nose, this shortage of pharmacists is good news to potential pharmacists.

According to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, about 3 billion prescriptions were filled in 1998, and the number is expected to reach 4 billion by 2005.

Many factors in society affect the increasing number of people making visits to drug stores. There is more need for health maintenance among our aging population, and there is an increase in the availability of drugs.

Patrick George, associate director of the School of Pharmacy's Office of Student Services, said that in dealing with fewer pharmacists in our growing economy, we must decrease the demands on present pharmacists — not increase the number of pharmacy students.

Pharmacists are expected to care for their patients while also coordinating insurance payment plans. Changing the system of billing customers will allow pharmacists to focus more on their patients — not the paper work.

According to John Gans, writer of "The Why's of the Pharmacist Shortage," studies have shown that pharmacists working more with patient care instead of repetitive insurance-related tasks are more satisfied employees.

"Graduates become discouraged because they're doing non-patient care functions," said George.

Purdue now advocates a "one card system" that simplifies insurance coverage on medications. This standardization in insurance cards means less improvising pharmacists have to make in distributing certain medications covered by certain insurances.

"The 'third-party' system doesn't make sense and is bizarre," said George.

Purdue's School of Pharmacy has made contributions in improving the demands on future pharmacists. The school is moving from the five-year baccalaureate degree to a six-year Pharm.D. degree, which allows students more time to develop ideas for preventive care. George calls this type of care a "disease state management" one that allows pharmacists to have a better understanding of their patients' lifestyles and have more self-confidence.

"It's great to have everyone with the same background knowledge," said George. "We get out of labeling these students according to their degree and have everyone be pharmacists."