The remuneration of the community pharmacist in the developing world: the case in Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: The remuneration of pharmacist is critical to ensure sustainability of pharmacist services. There has been limited study about pharmacist remuneration in Indonesia. Aim: This study aims to investigate pharmacist remuneration system in Indonesia. Methods: A nationwide community pharmacy survey was conducted involving 7,000 pharmacies. Questions around remuneration models and amounts, types of incentives and other financial benefits structured the questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was used to evaluate the findings. Results: Of 2,087 pharmacists participated in the survey, only 1,952 respondents were recorded. More than half of respondents did not receive any particular fees designated to compensate provision of cognitive services. Fixed monthly salary predominantly formed the structure of remuneration system with less than half of the respondents received additional incentives to top up this monthly salary. Conclusion: The current remuneration system which mainly relies on monthly salary basis may not be sustainable to support provision of pharmacist-led cognitive services.