Pharmacy operating without qualified pharmacist

Dear Editor,

A well-established Pharmacy on the Essequibo Coast, in Region 2 has been operating without a qualified pharmacist which is in violation of the law as a statutory requirement for the past ten years now.

For the public’s protection, the law also makes it compulsory to display in a conspicuous place, the certificate and photograph of the person employed in the capacity.

While there with a prescription, it was made known to a young female employee my desire to get some advice from the pharmacist: as to how to use the intended medication. But, my request could not have been entertained because no one in that position was employed there.

In querying, as to how a big established business can be functioning without a pharmacist, the employee explained that the establishment did not need one as the employees “had the experience”. For my personal safety, the purchase was made at another nearby pharmacy.

To do so on the basis of experience is very much speculative, with a dangerous risk involved of administering the incorrect treatment. It’s like gambling with a person’s health and life.

From all appearances, it would seem that cheapness in saving expenses for providing the services of a pharmacist is very good for the business, but simultaneously very bad for customers whose health could be jeopardised from receiving the wrong medication.

It was revealed when this business entity started, a pharmacist was employed there but, as the business expanded, the individual, who now owns their own business, left and there was no replacement for some ten years now.

Where other pharmacies exist in the district, the law is being complied with. Why not this one? To ensure that the law is being enforced, representatives from the Pharmacy Board/Council in the city would usually make on-the-spot inspections annually. What is responsible for this glaring violation?

There is a predominance of bribery and corruption plaguing the country, and as the saying goes “money could do wonders and make all things possible”. This should not be the case as it would seem to be when considering that one’s health must be treated with paramount importance at all times.

Yours sincerely,

John Niles