As the pharmaceutical industry prioritizes profit over patient welfare, it’s time to reevaluate fixed medicine sales and advocate for responsible practices that benefit both individuals and the environment
Kashmir, a region renowned for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, is facing a growing concern that threatens to undermine its values. The unchecked exploitation of the pharmaceutical industry, where chemists and doctors prioritize profits over patients’ needs, has become legalized loot. Thousands of such cases came to the limelight but couldn’t wake our conscience.
A pressing concern that needs immediate attention is the exploitative practice of selling medicines in fixed strips, disregarding the prescribed dosage. This antiquated approach forces patients to purchase excess medication, resulting in a staggering accumulation of expired and unused medicines in households. The repercussions of this practice are twofold: not only does it squander financial resources, but it also imperils the environment by contaminating soil, water, and ecosystems with these discarded medicines.
The consequences are dire, particularly with antibiotics, which can exacerbate drug resistance in microbes. Doctors, chemists, administrators, and patients must take responsibility for promoting ethical practices. This includes clear communication about medication, regulating the sale of medicines, and providing safe disposal methods.
In a region where unemployment and underemployment are rampant, it is unconscionable that a select few are capitalizing on the suffering of others, including the elderly and the infirm, through unscrupulous means. The age-old Kashmiri proverb, “There is nothing to bargain at medical stores,” poignantly highlights the indispensability of these establishments in the lives of the people. It is nothing short of ironic that these very stores, which are meant to provide solace and relief, have become hubs of exploitation.
The practice of selling medicines in fixed strips must be revisited, and a more patient-centric approach must be adopted. Chemists and pharmacists must be encouraged to dispense medicines in quantities that align with the prescribed dosage, rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach and should be encouraged to receive back the unused medicine. This would not only reduce waste and minimize the financial burden on patients but also help mitigate the environmental impact of discarded medicines.
Furthermore, regulatory bodies and administrative authorities must take decisive action to curb this exploitative practice. Stringent measures must be put in place to ensure that chemists and pharmacists adhere to ethical standards and that patients are not taken advantage of. The establishment of special disposal mechanisms for unused medicines would also go a long way in mitigating the environmental fallout of this practice.
Ultimately, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the healthcare system serves the needs of the people, rather than perpetuating exploitation and harm. By advocating for a more compassionate and patient-centric approach to medicine dispensation, we can help create a more just and equitable healthcare landscape.
Dr Arshid Ahmad Khanday
ga************@***il.com