The Society of Government Pharmacists has alleged that unqualified individuals at private pharmacies are dispensing medicines, including antibiotics, to the public.
Addressing the media, Chairman of the Society Ajith Thilakaratne said that these pharmacies are dispensing medicine to patients without prescriptions.
“When a patient says they have a cold or cough, antibiotics are freely given. The Health Ministry has issued specific guidelines for doctors to follow regarding prescriptions for antibiotics. It is a serious issue when an ordinary person at a pharmacy provides antibiotics to the public,” he said.
Ajith Thilakaratne also pointed out that many issues arise when pharmacies purely operate for commercial purposes without following proper procedures for storing medicines.
“Private pharmacies are obligated to display photographs and the licences of licenced pharmacists. A pharmacy cannot operate without a licenced pharmacist present,” he said.
Ajith Thilakaratne added that the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has the authority to verify the qualifications of the employees working in pharmacies.
As such, the Society of Government Pharmacists called on the National Medicines Regulatory Authority to regulate all pharmacies across the country for the well-being of the public. (Newswire)