The classification of hospitals by service level indicates the types of medical services available, the complexity of medical equipment, and the expertise and specialties of the staff, including pharmacists.
1. Primary Hospitals (Classification of Hospitals)
Definition: Basic-level hospitals, often known as first-level or community hospitals.
Services: Mainly offer preventive services, outpatient care, and basic inpatient care. Additional services might include maternal and childcare, vaccinations, and basic surgical and medical procedures.
Beds: Typically, fewer than 100 beds, though this can vary based on the region.
Pharmacy Practice: Pharmacists in primary hospitals focus on dispensing medications, providing medication counseling, and ensuring a continuous supply of essential drugs.
2. Secondary Hospitals
Definition: Also known as district or provincial hospitals; usually larger than primary hospitals and capable of offering specialized care.
Services: Provide specialized services, often in fields like internal medicine, pediatrics, general surgery, and obstetrics. Support services, including laboratory, imaging, and pharmacy, are also available.
Beds: Generally, these hospitals have between 100 to 500 beds, though the range may differ regionally.
Pharmacy Practice: Pharmacists play a vital role in drug management, working closely with medical staff to ensure appropriate drug therapy. They may be involved in therapeutic drug monitoring and clinical interventions.
3. Tertiary Hospitals
Definition: Referral or teaching hospitals that provide specialized and super-specialized services.
Services: Equipped with advanced diagnostic services, intensive care units, and highly specialized departments, such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology.
Beds: Typically, have more than 500 beds, with some major tertiary hospitals in urban areas or serving large populations having even higher bed counts.
Pharmacy Practice: Pharmacists in tertiary hospitals often hold specialized roles. Clinical pharmacists may work in specific departments, collaborating with doctors for optimal patient care. They may also participate in research and clinical triall.
Hospital Level | Definition | Services | Beds | Pharmacy Practice |
Primary Hospitals | Basic, community-focused care | Preventive, outpatient, basic inpatient | < 100 beds | Dispensing, counseling, essential supply |
Secondary Hospitals | District/provincial with specialties | Specialized care, support services | 100-500 beds | Drug management, monitoring, interventions |
Tertiary Hospitals | Referral with advanced specialization | Intensive, specialized departments | > 500 beds | Specialized roles, research, trials |