[Community health pharmacists' situation in the framework of the Spanish State. Analysis of their functions and competence in the matter of food hygiene in the Community of Valencia].
BACKGROUND
We intend to show the Community Health pharmacists's situation in the different Autonomous Communities of the State, independently from their health. With regard to the Community of Valencia, we propose to integrate the Community Health pharmacists in the health structures of Health Areas, so that they can better fulfil their duties: specially Food Hygiene.


METHODS
The information provided by the Health Services of each Autonomous Community has been used. Data from the Community of Valencia come from the Public Health General Direction and from Valencia Health Service of Generalidad Valenciana. Official criteria of periodical inspection in order to study needs have been put into practice. Data process has been computerized.


RESULTS
Two kinds of Autonomous Communities have been identified depending on wether they have carried out or not the reorganization and/or the reassignment of duties of Community Health pharmacists. The distribution of Community Health pharmacists in the Autonomous Community of Valencia is shown in its health map, as well as the needs of surveillance for industries and food establishments within a pharmaceutic scope.


CONCLUSIONS
The necessity of adapting the figure of the Community Health pharmacist to the Health General Law appears evident, particularly to health structures in the Areas; as well as the convenience of not making the chemist's shop possession compatible with the rest of duties assigned to this pharmacist's Body.
Zubeldia Lauzurica
L
L
Servicio de Higiene de los Alimentos, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Valencia.
Muelas Tirado
J
J
Hernández Aguado
I
I
D003153:Community Health Services; D005504:Food Analysis; D005513:Food Inspection; D006920:Hygiene / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013030:Spain
Situación de los farmacéuticos titulares en el ámbito del Estado Español. Análisis de sus funciones y competencias en materia de Higiene del los Alimentos en la Comunidad Valenciana.