People turn to pharmacists for cures as doctors unaffordable

DUBAI — The pocket-pinching move by the government to increase health and medical treatment fee in the country has had negative fallout, in that people are queueing up before pharmacists for "consultation" since they can’t afford the high fee.

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Asma Ali Zain

Published: Fri 2 Dec 2005, 11:07 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 7:17 PM

Doctors, however, describe the trend as being "penny wise, pound foolish," since in many cases, patients have had to ultimately consult a medical practitioner for their ailments after it takes a turn for the worse.

"I know of a pharmacist who has more patients than a doctor. All this is because doctors charge high consultation fees and people can't afford it," Mohammed Kareem, a resident, said, adding: "Every time you have flu or fever and you go to a doctor, you end up paying a hefty sum."

Doctors think otherwise. "This is an illegal practice as pharmacists are barred from prescribing drugs, even for minor ailments," points out Dr R. Kumar.

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Fri 2 Dec 2005, 11:07 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 7:17 PM

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