In actual fact, medicines are revolving quite fast thanks to the research and advancement of technology.
Doctors however could not possibly keep up with it if you ask me, Thus pharmacist is needed to shorten the gap.

In regards to dispensary rights, there's no actual right or wrong. In a full fledge hospital even in M'sia; you'll see doctors consulting pharmacist and vice versa pharmacist advising doctors on which medicines to use.

It is only in clinics as explained above often neglected the importance of a certified pharmacist. Particularly in most oversea countries; ppl do not got to clinics for normal cough and flu unlike us in M'sia. They go to their local pharmacist for meds. If the pharmacist felt otherwise they would refer them to a doctor. However, strong medication still needs a certification from the doctors before it is allowed to be sold.

My father does go to the pharmacist to get his monthly dosage of medicine obviously under the doctor's prescription.
That is because it's nearer to our house than going to the specialist center.