The practice of pharmacy and the management and operation of pharmacies are hereby declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare of the people of Alabama, and thereby subject to regulation and control in the public interest. It is further declared to be a matter of public interest and concern that only qualified persons compound or dispense prescription drugs and medicines, and that pharmacies be managed in such a manner as to protect the public, and all provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to carry out these objects and purposes.