17 pharmacists selling drugs without prescription

Star: ALOR GAJAH: Seventeen pharmacists have been found selling psychotropic pills without prescriptions this year, with two of them having been charged in court.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said: “We even caught a pharmacist exporting 400,000 psychotropic pills, a drug that can be processed into syabu and amphetamine, to Australia by forging documents stating that they were vitamin B complex (supplements).”
“Their actions have tarnished the image of the profession in the country,” he said after visiting Alor Gajah Hospital yesterday.
He added that cases of pharmacists dispensing drugs without doctors’ prescriptions were on the rise and they should stop at once.
Calling such pharmacists irresponsible, he stressed that it was not for a pharmacist to take on the role of a medical practitioner.
The minister proved his point with figures – the licences of five pharmacies were suspended for selling prescription drugs without medical prescriptions up to June this year.
Over the same period, five pharmacists were caught selling antibiotics without prescriptions, matching the figure for the whole of last year.
Dr Chua, a medical doctor, said his ministry had received many complaints from the public of pharmacies dispensing prescription drugs illegally.
“They are not only selling the drugs, but have also taken over the role of medical practitioners in advising (patients) and dispensing drugs,” he said, warning of more follow-up action by the ministry.
Offering some of his own advice, the minister said pharmacists, as professionals, should be clear about their role and responsibilities.
The sale of antibiotics, psychotropic pills and dormicum (sleeping pills) must be controlled and pharmacists must record accurately every prescription drug that was sold and closely monitor stocks, Dr Chua said.“I'll never entertain appeals from any pharmacy that is suspended for selling prescription drugs inappropriately,” he warned.
Dr Chua also said that a new RM50mil hospital with 50 beds would be built in a different location in addition to existing one in Paya Datuk, Alor Gajah, to cater to increasing healthcare needs there.