Concerns are escalating within the health sector regarding allegations that some pharmacies may be operating without a registered pharmacist on site. The Fiji Pharmaceutical Society has reported that this practice contravenes the Fiji Pharmacy Profession Act and jeopardizes the professional standards essential for consumer protection.
Society President Priyanka Prasad highlighted the potential dangers of allowing unqualified personnel to dispense medications or provide pharmaceutical advice. She emphasized that the lack of qualified pharmacists could result in incorrect treatments for patients. “When the public receives medical information from untrained professionals or unlicensed practitioners, there’s a risk of incorrect treatment and harmful drug interactions,” Prasad stated. She maintained that the public deserves to know if a licensed pharmacist is available during pharmacy hours.
Prasad further detailed the critical role pharmacists play, noting their extensive training in assessing symptoms, providing counseling for minor ailments, monitoring drug interactions, and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of treatments. They are also equipped to offer clinical consultations within their scope of practice.
Echoing these concerns, Fiji Medical Association President Dr. Alipate Vakamocea remarked that the absence of registered pharmacists endangers patients and erodes trust in healthcare services. “It puts the patients or customers coming to that pharmacy at risk. It’s akin to visiting a doctor’s clinic without a registered doctor present. Such circumstances can be perilous for those seeking medical assistance,” he pointed out.
Dr. Vakamocea is advocating for heightened compliance measures and increased public awareness to prioritize patient safety. Efforts to address these alarming practices are essential, as ensuring consumer safety remains a core responsibility of health care providers. The Fiji Pharmacy Profession Board has been approached for a comment but has not yet responded to these serious allegations.
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