Chronic diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide and have a significant negative impact on public health, overall well-being, national economies, and the long-term sustainability of already burdened health systems. In addressing some of the current health challenges, the contribution of pharmacists and community pharmacies is of particular significance. Pharmacists play a vital role in the medication use process, enhancing the efficacy of pharmacological interventions and facilitating the delivery of health services. Community pharmacies occupy a key position within the healthcare system, acting as a primary point of contact with the public and frequently representing the most accessible healthcare facility for patients. In recent times, community pharmacies have undergone a process of adaptation, shifting from a narrow focus on the dispensing of medications towards a more comprehensive approach that is patient-centered and incorporates a range of healthcare services, while also prioritizing the quality of the services provided. This work aims to explore the role of pharmacists in the provision of pharmaceutical services in three countries with distinct healthcare systems, examining how these services operate, the requirements for their delivery, the associated remuneration structures, and the extent of out-of-pocket costs for patients—ultimately analyzing their impact on health outcomes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global health issue, with type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounting for over 90% of cases. Community pharmacies, given their accessibility, are well positioned to assist in early detection and management of T2D. This study evaluated post-pandemic T2D risk in a Portuguese population using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) across five community pharmacies. A total of 494 participants aged 40 or older without a prior diagnosis of diabetes were assessed. The mean FINDRISC score was 12.3, and 29.8% were identified as high or very high-risk, with 8.7% referred to general practitioners for follow-up based on elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Key risk factors include age, body mass index, waist circumference, lack of physical activity, and family history of diabetes. Lower educational levels were also associated with higher diabetes risk. Community pharmacies are shown to play an essential role in screening and educating at-risk populations, emphasizing the importance of physical activity, healthy diets, and regular monitoring. These findings reinforce the value of community pharmacists in mitigating T2D risk and enhancing public health outcomes through cost-effective, validated screening tools like FINDRISC. Finally, pre-pandemic FINDRISC studies discussed show similar results suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly impact the overall risk profile for T2D.