They are a crucial link in the healthcare chain. Pharmacists play a vital role in the recuperation of patients. From deciphering incomprehensible prescriptions to dispensing medicines at a fast pace, multitasking is their forte.
Sharp memory and experience count in their profession.
Most of them start as assistants in chemist shops, learn the names of various drugs and gain experience before setting up their own shops.
While some are qualified pharmacists, others who run pharmacies on their experience, appoint a licensed pharmacist as per government norms. V. Senthil, who has been running a medical shop for two decades in Kilpauk, said the number of brands for the same drug composition has increased in the past decade.
Earlier, medicines were assorted according to company name. Now, it is done in the alphabetical order. It is essential for a pharmacist to memorise and update knowledge on drugs to remain in business.
?My knowledge of drug names and experience helps me in deciphering prescriptions,? he said.
As in many other professions, technology has made things easier. They have a computerised network.
Many pharmacists continue to give medicines across the counter for common ailments.
?I cannot persuade a poor patient to bring prescription for a simple health problem. But, I do not give medicines, particularly sleep inducing drugs without prescriptions,? Mr.Senthil said.
Lack of manpower and growing competition from chains of pharmacies is impacting the small players. S. Mukundan, who has a medical shop in Kolathur, said many small medical shops in the neighbourhood have shut down and the number of new shops being opened is less owing to competition from pharmacies attached to hospitals and chain stores.
The norms for setting up pharmacies have also been made stringent.
?This trade demands constant investment to stock drugs of various brands. Fewer shops are now operating round the clock as not many are willing to work long hours,? he said.
The returns have also decreased as huge loss is incurred due to expired drugs. ?Pharmaceutical companies reimburse only 60 ? 70 per cent of the investment. Sometimes, we lose that too if we fail to return them within the stipulated period. We cannot remember the expiry period of all medicines,? he said.
N.Balaraja, Action Committee Chairman, Chennai Chemists and Druggists Association, said most of the chemists shops depend on neighbourhood clinics and regular customers. Chennai has nearly 4,000 such shops.
The discount system of chain stores has affected the business, he said.
?We get only 14- 16 per cent margin from popular brands. It is getting hard to sustain because of such offers. I am continuing in this business as it has earned me respect,? he added.
