Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association (BPA) President, Dr. Marvin Smith is warning against the use of prescription drugs without a prescription. His comments came after it was reported in a local morning daily that pharmacies in the country are selling prescription drugs over the counter.
Dr. Smith spoke with ZNS News on Thursday where he called for government to engage full time pharmacy inspectors and for stricter law enforcement. He said, “Bahamas Pharmacy Association wrote the Pharmacy Act for the government. We wanted to have enforcement. We’re asking for enforcement. And since 2009 we have not had a single full time inspector appointed in one of the most important industry sectors in this country. If you can afford to send price control inspectors to us every week, all over, you can give us one full time inspector.”
The Ministry of Health and Wellness issued a statement on the matter on Monday. It stated that “prescription medicines are regulated for specific purposes and are guided and guarded by regulated protocols. When medications such antibiotics, strong paid relievers, and other controlled products are dispensed without appropriate medical oversight, patients are placed at risk of adverse drug reactions, incorrect dosing, treatment failure, antimicrobial resistance, and exposure to potential substandard or counterfeit products.”
The statement went on to say that the ministry is working with the Pharmacy Council and other regulatory and enforcement partners to strengthen oversight and ensure reported violations are investigated and addressed.
Dr. Smith warned pharmacists selling prescription medications without a prescription to stop. “If you’re doing it, stop it. The BPA will not protect you, will not hide you, will not cover for you. If you’re doing it stop it because you’re putting our people at risk.”
The BPA President said the association will begin documenting complaints from customers about pharmacies not operating to standard and forward them to the Pharmacy Council.
Dr. Smith also advised the general public to see a doctor before coming to the pharmacist.
