Expatriates turn to self-medication as health costs go up

Manama : More and more expatriate workers are turning to self-medication following the recent hike in fees at government healthcare centres and hospitals, according social workers. 

The government recently hiked the basic consultation fee from BD3 to BD7. Though expatriates whose employers have already paid their annual health care fees would not be impacted for the time being, others whose fees are not paid will be hit as essential drugs have to be bought from the private pharmacies.

Low-income expats, especially those working as labourers are turning to self-medication putting their lives increasingly at risk.  Pharmacists are not only dispensing medicines but also giving consultations. 

According to the latest circular issued by NHRA, pharmacies are required to sell drugs on valid prescriptions only, especially medicines, which have alcohol content. The dispensing pharmacist is instructed to keep a copy of the prescription for records, which is liable for inspection by National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) and if  discrepancies are found legal action can be taken.

NHRA will take strict action if pharmacies sell medicines without prescriptions, officials at NHRA said. “Pharmacies are clearly instructed not to sell such drugs without prescription. Necessary actions will be taken against the pharmacist and the pharmacy, and we will refer them to the disciplinary committees, if found breaking the regulations”, said Dr Mariam Al Jalahma, CEO, NHRA. According to sources, many pharmacists in Bahrain are also giving counselling to their customers. The conditions such as fever are being treated with painkillers and antibiotics and these medicines are supplied to the patients without prescriptions. 

“The surprising factor is that these people are least aware about the danger. There are antibiotics, which have to be taken once a day, and thrice a day. Every medicine has its time and dosage,” said Sayed Meher, Pharma Manager, General Medicines, Intercol Gr.

“Many chose to consult the pharmacist for conditions like severe headache, pains and demand medicines like ciprofloxacin, dextromethorphan, painkillers and cough syrups with opioids and sedatives. Some of them are forced to give medicines over-the-counter because of the relationship. Patients should follow a systematic plan for therapy otherwise they will develop resistance and the medicine will not accept their body,” he added.

As per the statistics, the complaints submitted to the NHRA since the beginning of 2015 until last December have soared to 130.

According a report, NHRA inspection team conducted 265 inspection visits to 96 private clinics, 108 medical centres, 15 hospitals, 36 optical shops,3 dental labs and 7 general labs.