Health care: Pharmacist association threatens to protest

PPA representatives say delay in appointment has affected treatment

ABBOTABAD: The provincial chapter of Pakistan Pharmacist Association (PPA) has urged the provincial government to accept their four-point charter of demand otherwise they would take to the streets across the province.

Representatives from the association put forward this ultimatum at a news conference in Abbottabad. PPA provincial general secretary Ehsanullah said, “As per the provisions of World Health Organization (WHO) and according to verdict of the Supreme Court, the government has to appoint qualified pharmacist for each 50 beds.”



He added, “The PTI-led provincial government initially followed the court order of autonomous teaching hospitals in the province. However, they have failed to implement the court order at district and tehsil levels.”

Compromised health care

Ehsanullah said the delay in the appointment of qualified pharmacists has compromised on quality treatment.

“The government issued a notification for the payment of health care professionals including doctors, paramedics and nurses,” he said. “However, the pharmacists were completely ignored by the government.” He said only 30 drug inspectors are working at the tehsil level across K-P. According to Ehsanullah, there is a pressing need to improve health care services.

“The government must hire drug inspectors at the tehsil level,” he added. According to the PPA representatives, drug inspectors at tehsil level have no transport facilities and their offices are ill-equipped to provide patient care.

Amendments

The charter of demands also includes amending Drug Sale Rule, 1982 so they cater to modern needs.

“Changes are taking place at a rapid pace in drug manufacturing, sale and dispensing,” he said. “The sale rules should be updated to reflect the current medical needs.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2016.