title: Model for the development of rural pharmaceutical services.
abstract: The Central Pharmacy of Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) a nonprofit corporation operating a rural comprehensive health care system in New Mexico, is discussed. PMS Central Pharmacy provides pharmaceutical services to a 34-bed acute care hospital and 24 widely scattered clinics for ambulatory patients. The financial base, administration, development of a formulatory, purchasing, prepackaging of medications, and consulting services of the PMS Central Pharmacy are described. Central Pharmacy acts as a drug wholesaler for PMS; the gross margin between acquisition cost and average wholesale price covers 90% of the cost of the pharmacy operation. In addition, the clinics pay a fee and travel expenses for pharmacist consultation. Seven clinics employ drug technicians who are trained and supervised by Central Pharmacy. It is concluded that this system may serve as a model for the development of pharmaceutical services in other rural areas or in poverty-stricken urban areas.
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004349:Drug Packaging; D005569:Formularies as Topic; D006285:Health Planning; D006761:Hospitals; D009516:New Mexico; D010594:Pharmacies; D010605:Pharmacy Administration; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012424:Rural Population; D014495:Universities