Monday, July 19, 2010

Pharmacists run doctor show

From the Calcutta (India) Telegraph:
Pharmacists in the state capital are prescribing medicines in the absence of doctors at some unit hospitals or zonal dispensaries.

Shortage of doctors has become so acute that they are now being rotated to attend services at Capital Hospital, the nearest referral facility, to manage the patient inflow.

Hence, in their absence at some unit hospitals, pharmacists and even paramedics are issuing prescriptions for patients.

Asked about the new role of some pharmacists at zonal dispensaries, chief medical officer of Capital Hospital Dr Gangadhar Rath said: “Pharmacists cannot write prescriptions. They should only distribute medicines.” ...more

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