Aim To present the regulations governing the operation of pharmacies in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the Austro-Hungarian rule
(1878-1918).
Methods Qualitative secondary data analysis was used.
Results The Austro-Hungarian government had found poor
population’s health, insufficient health facilities and qualified staff.
For a long time, population was treated by old methods of medicine
and pharmacy, and directed to folk doctors, healers and herbalists.
As early as 1879, orders requesting mandatory possession of a university diploma to practice pharmacy and medicine, thus taking the
initial steps to combat quackery. The production and dispensing of
medicines became the exclusive competence of pharmacists. The
Law on Pharmacies adopted in 1907 comprehensively regulated
the apothecary activity. Pharmacy Gremium was founded, the first
association of pharmacists with the task of protecting professional
interests. All types of quackery were explicitly forbidden to pharmacy staff. Apothecary activity was regulated as a craft, not as a
health activity. During this period, pharmacy became a regulated
profession with educated and qualified personnel. The number of
public pharmacies and qualified staff was growing. In 1878 only one
graduated pharmacist was found, while in 1910 in 47 pharmacies
there were 79 pharmacy staff. At the end of 1918, the masters of
pharmacy were the owners of 48 pharmacies, in 38 cities.
Conclusion All enacted regulations contributed to the development and improvement of the apothecary activity over the observed period, and laid the foundations for the future development
of the profession.