This classification is crucial because it informs the types of medical services available, the complexity of medical equipment, and even the training and specialties of the staff, including pharmacists.
Here's a brief overview of these classifications:
1. Primary Hospitals:
Definition:
These are basic-level hospitals, often known as first-level or community hospitals.
Services:
They mainly offer preventive services, outpatient care, and basic inpatient care.
They might also offer maternal and childcare, vaccinations, and basic surgical and medical procedures.
Beds:
Typically fewer than 100 beds, but this can vary based on the region.
Pharmacy Practice:
The role of pharmacists in primary hospitals usually revolves around dispensing medications, offering medication counseling, and ensuring the continuous supply of essential drugs.
2. Secondary Hospitals:
Definition:
Also called district or provincial hospitals.
They are usually bigger than primary hospitals and offer specialized care.
Services:
They provide more specialized services, often in internal medicine, pediatrics, general surgery, and obstetrics.
They also offer support services like laboratory, imaging, and pharmacy.
Beds:
These hospitals generally have between 100 to 500 beds, although the range can differ based on regional definitions.
Pharmacy Practice:
Pharmacists here play an integral role in drug management, working closely with medical staff to ensure appropriate drug therapy. They might be involved in therapeutic drug monitoring and clinical interventions.
3. Tertiary Hospitals:
Definition:
These are referral or teaching hospitals that offer specialized and super-specialized services.
Services:
They are well-equipped with advanced diagnostic services, intensive care units, and specialized departments like cardiology, neurology, and oncology.
Beds:
Often more than 500 beds, some major tertiary hospitals in urban areas or serving large populations might have much higher bed counts.
Pharmacy Practice:
Pharmacists in tertiary hospitals often have specialized roles.
Clinical pharmacists might work in specific departments, collaborating with doctors for optimal patient care.
They might also be involved in research and clinical trials.