Thread by @WeAreBangalore

As part of #UrbanDevelopment #BLR, I wanted to ask something that's been on my mind for long.

Is it right to be able to buy medicines without prescriptions? Many often buy medication without prescriptions which may prove fatal in the longer run.

Do we need stricter regulations?

In olden days, the doctor themselves used to have a small section in their clinics to dole out medicines.

It ensured only the right /necessary amounts and dosage of the medicines were consumed by the patients.

Many countries follow this practice till today. Only first aid and essentials like flu or Cold medicines, ear and eye drops kind of items are available off the shelf without prescriptions.

This greatly regulates the use of unwanted antibiotics and medicines of irregular dosage.

In Singapore, this is again the norm. Even medicines like contraceptives aren't available off the shelf. While there are some hassles owing to this, it's a wonderful thing that use of medicines are regulated.

Since childhood, I have always been averse to taking medicines. Medicines are always my last resort.

But I see so many of my friends, even for the slightest of headache or flu resort to heaviest of painkillers or antibiotics respectively without doctors prescribing them..

This is a HORRIBLE mistake. Our Body cannot be subjected to all these strong doses frequently. It will enable our body to develop immunity to stronger doses which in turn ensures the ineffectiveness of medicines when we most need them.

When I visit a doctor in Singapore, I get these medicine packets after consultation. Note that it has my name, tablet name, dosage and frequency.

I only receive tablets as per the dosage. Not more.

For people questioning the consultation fees one has to bear owing to all this....-> that's why you have something called "Medical Insurance" .

So it's all covered in your insurance.

Again, I know not everyone has insurance in India.

But now we have state and central government's including people in their own insurance schemes.

If the need for a prescription is regulated, this will greatly improve the medical prescription mechanism and ensure Indians don't over consume drugs !

There are ofcourse disadvantages to this in terms of people having to visit the doctors every time we are sick for which we need medicines.

But it's high time we realise the perils of self medication.

Another issue is... There are still confusions regarding the state sponsored insurance systems.

Only if they are fixed can people get into this practice.

What's also done in SG is every time we visit, the social security number (like Aadhaar) is requested and the medical records, visits and medication are logged against our number.

So this data can be availed / maintained as our medical history and mighty easy 4 medical claims.

The clinics & Hospitals in SG also have a lot of consistency with regards to the process and procedures.

Here you know what to expect when you visit a clinic and we know how to get claims recovered seamlessly.

Indian health insurance doesn't always cover all consultations

At the end of the day...

We have to reduce the # of chemicals we intake. Even doctors will agree to this.

Unless required, we must not take in medicines .. especially of high dosage.

The next generation must be taught how to manage their health effectively.
@saikirankannan