Department of Pharmaceutical Management

One of the crucial milestones in the development of pharmaceutical education at Yerevan State Medical University named after Mkhitar Heratsi was the establishment of the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1972. This was followed by the foundation of the Department of “Drug Technology, Pharmaceutical Economics and Management” in 1974, where subjects such as “Drug Technology”, “Medical Commodity Science”, and “Pharmaceutical Management and Economics” were taught.

In line with the development of pharmaceutical sciences and practice, the subject of “Pharmaceutical Management and Economics”—as one of the most vital directions of the “Pharmacy” specialization—was separated in 2006 to form the new Department of Pharmaceutical Management. The primary goal of establishing the department is to provide future pharmacists with modern theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the fields of pharmaceutical management, pharmaceutical marketing, economics, and social pharmacy.

Since September 2016, the teaching of “Medical and Pharmaceutical Commodity Science” has also resumed at the department, contributing to the expansion of the curriculum and a more comprehensive organization of professional training.

Education at the department is conducted through lectures, practical sessions, and cycle classes for 3rd and 4th-year Bachelor’s students, as well as Master’s students of the Faculty of Pharmacy.

The educational process is based on fundamental topics such as pharmaceutical management and marketing, the operational organization of pharmacy establishments, financial management, pharmaceutical service delivery, self-treatment management, and the proper implementation of pharmaceutical care. The department has published methodological manuals in both Armenian and English.

At the department, medicine is viewed not only as a therapeutic agent but also as a specific commodity with unique characteristics regarding advertising, sales, branding, logistics, registration, public procurement, and counterfeiting prevention. Throughout the courses, students acquire the essential professional knowledge and practical skills required to operate effectively in the modern pharmaceutical system.

General Strategy and Goals

The research activity of the department is aimed at studying modern trends in the international pharmaceutical market and implementing them within the healthcare system of the Republic of Armenia. The core of the research focuses on social pharmacy, serving as the cornerstone for ensuring public and clinical efficiency in pharmaceutical activities.

Main Research Directions and Outcomes

• Pharmaceutical Counseling and Care: Professional algorithms and practical recommendations have been developed to reinforce pharmaceutical counseling as an integral component of healthcare services.
• Rational Pharmacotherapy and Self-Treatment: The prevalence of self-treatment and the risks associated with the irrational use of medicines have been analyzed. Recommendations have been formulated regarding the improvement of public awareness and the management of responsible self-treatment by pharmacy staff.
• Legislative and Macroeconomic Regulations: The import and registration procedures for medical devices have been studied, legislative challenges have been identified, and pathways for regulatory improvement have been proposed.

Scientific Productivity։The research findings are summarized and published in numerous articles within both local and leading international scientific journals, including those with an Impact Factor.