Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences recently deployed students to local communities as part of its multi-decade volunteering programme, focusing on essential primary care pharmacy roles.

The atmosphere was vibrant and energetic with the enthusiastic commitment of young people seeking to contribute value to society when the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Khon Kaen University (KKU), through its Student Union, organised the “Volunteer Pharmacist Community Development Camp” (Khai Mor Ya Asa Phatthana Chumchon). The programme ran from 16 to 20 November 2025 at Ban Sam Liam Municipal School and Tawan Mai Community in Nai Mueang subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen district, Khon Kaen province.

This project, which has been continuous for decades, serves as a crucial platform for shaping pharmacy students across all year levels. It provides them with practical experience in the vital role of the “Home Pharmacist” (primary care pharmacist) while tangibly delivering health knowledge to the community.

Assistant Professor Narin Chansri, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, commented on the significance of this field work: “The target group, the community, is where we implement our work. We go in and assume the role of pharmacists, particularly what we call ‘primary care pharmacists’ or ‘Home Pharmacists.’ This involves a distinct pharmaceutical role where they must genuinely visit individual families to supervise the correct use of medicines, provide advice on disease prevention, general health maintenance, and assess potential risks associated with medication use. This data is then used to plan and improve services, enabling the community to use medicines more effectively and safely.”

The programme incorporated a variety of activities, including:

• Undertaking public service and developing shared public areas.
• Surveying community health issues and systematically analysing the collected data.
• Providing health education and promoting safe medication practices.
• Conducting basic health screening.
• Educating high school students about the use of medicines and health products.

Students developed essential professional skills, including taking detailed medication histories, analysing drug-related problems, formulating intervention plans, and providing personalised counselling to enhance treatment efficacy. Simultaneously, they learned to collaborate with community members and teammates, adapt to local culture, develop communication skills, and work in multidisciplinary teams.

This peer-to-peer knowledge transfer system establishes a robust network of cooperation. It also allows senior students to gain confidence and enhance their professional skills before entering real-world practice.

This project reflects Khon Kaen University’s commitment to producing high-quality healthcare personnel, particularly primary care pharmacists, who are essential forces in local public health. Instilling this volunteer spirit and understanding of their role early on helps nurture a new generation of pharmacists equipped with knowledge, competence, and a genuine consciousness of societal service.

In an era where the national public health system is transitioning towards greater preventive and health promotion care, the role of the Home Pharmacist is crucial. They help reduce the burden on hospitals, empower the public to manage their own health appropriately, and ensure the effective and safe use of medicines.

Therefore, the Volunteer Pharmacist Community Development Camp is not merely a temporary activity; it is an investment in the future of Thailand’s healthcare system, fostering professional personnel and resilient communities capable of sustainable self-care.