Nutraceutical Sales Are an Obligation for Pharmacy Operators, Not Their Fault
–January 10, 2025 (Poush 26,2081 B.S)
The sale of nutraceuticals has become an obligation for pharmacy operators because these products are prescribed by physicians, demanded by patients, and authorized for import by the government. Pharmacists are required to serve patients based on prescriptions, and it is not appropriate for them to advise against prescribed items without valid grounds.
The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) must evaluate the necessity of such products, coordinate with relevant authorities to regulate imports, and hold prescribing physicians accountable. Blaming only pharmacies and pharmacists ignores both the significant investment of pharmacies and their crucial role in delivering healthcare services.
Unless weaknesses in the import system, regulatory processes, and prescribing practices are addressed, further issues will continue to arise, and professional migration cannot be prevented. If the DDA continues to impose restrictions on the sale and distribution of supplementary products, it is clear that thousands of pharmacies will close, and youth migration will increase.
To conclude, the problem does not lie with retail pharmacies. The real issue is the lack of coordination between government departments, uncontrolled importation, unchecked prescriptions, and inadequate enforcement of regulations.
