Challenges and Opportunities in Community Pharmacies in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This qualitative study explores operational challenges and improvement opportunities within Bangladesh’s community pharmacy sector—a vital yet under-researched component of healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using semi-structured interviews with 10 purposively selected participants (five pharmacists and five customers), data were thematically analyzed. Five key themes emerged: manual and error-prone inventory management; inconsistent medicine availability; unreliable supply chains with counterfeit risks; low digital adoption; and weak regulatory enforcement. Participants suggested solutions including affordable digital tools, diversified supplier networks, transparent pricing, and stronger oversight. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated policy and operational reforms rooted in stakeholder experiences to enhance pharmacy services, healthcare access, medicine safety, and public trust in Bangladesh’s health system.