INTRODUCTION Human resources are currently the focus of attention in health systems strengthening and public health policies.[1-3] Strategic planning is essential for evaluating the efficiency of human resources and health services, being an effective tool for identifying innovative solutions within health systems.[4-6] Although the organizational environment is recognized as an important factor in the functioning and development of health services, continuous changes in the external environment challenge decision makers and professionals. For healthcare professionals, this environment could be described by constant technological evolution, an increasing search for patient-centred care and citizen empowerment, particularly in terms of healthcare knowledge.[7]Strategic planning in community pharmacyPharmacies and Community pharmacists are in a privileged position within healthcare systems due to their professional training and easy accessibility (e.g. in most main streets), which could contribute to more reliable monitoring of drug use, to patient counseling, as well as health promotion and education.[8, 9] the changing environment pushes community pharmacists to continue in a process of continuous transition. Changing healthcare demands are pushing pharmacists to take on a more advanced role in patient care.[10] The shortage of primary care physicians (PHCs), economic and political uncertainty, and the primary care reform currently underway in Portugal are all contributing to a climate of change, while also creating an opportunity to rethink the role of pharmacists. community within the Portuguese community. healthcare system.Development of the pharmacist workforce scenarioDue to socioeconomic uncertainty, which limits the ability to predict and plan for the next...... middle of the document...... Med 2001, 53(7): 943-955.68. Paulino E, Guerreiro MP, Cantrill JA, Martins AP, Costa FAd, Benrimoj SIC: Interprofessional work of community pharmacists and physicians: insights from multi-stakeholder qualitative studies. Rev Port Clin Geral 2010, 26:590-606.69. Buchan J, Temido M, Fronteira I, Lapao L, Dussault G: Nurses in advanced roles: a review of acceptability in Portugal. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2013, 21 Spec No:38-46.70. Leese B: New opportunities for nurses and other healthcare professionals? A review of the potential impact of the new GMS contract on primary care staff. J Health Organ Manag 2006, 20(6):525-536.71. Tsuyuki RT, Schindel TJ: Changing pharmacy practice: the leadership challenge. Journal of the Canadian Pharmacist 2008, 141(3):174-180.72. Grier S, Bryant CA: Social marketing in public health. Annu Rev Public Health 2005, 26:319-339.