When approached by FMT, Azhar Arshad, 40, said it was much easier for him to visit a pharmacy in order to stock up on medication for his family to treat minor illnesses that do not require a trip to the clinic.
“It depends on the need, but I am more likely to get my medication from there,” he said.
“It is easier and quicker for pharmacists to recommend medicine based on the symptoms described by their customers, especially for minor sicknesses such as the flu, headaches or sore throats.”
Similarly, Diyana Qistina said it was more convenient for her to visit nearby pharmacies.
However, she said if she wished to seek treatment, she would likely go to a clinic first in order to have a doctor check up on her.
Student Mizatul Azlina, on the other hand, used to go to pharmacies for medication to treat skin problems on her face, but stopped after her condition worsened following the pharmacist’s recommendations.
She told FMT that she had gone to pharmacies first as they didn’t require her to queue up and wait for her turn like she would have to at most clinics.
The Star recently reported that doctors who are independent general practitioners (GPs) are struggling to stay afloat, with many forced to close down their clinics due to rising costs.
A GP told FMT in a previous interview that lacklustre “business” was due to pharmacies assuming the functions of doctors by diagnosing patients, recommending alternatives to prescription medication and even dispensing medication without prescriptions.
These days, some pharmacies even perform blood sugar or cholesterol tests and recommend medication based on the symptoms described by their customers.
However, some people still prefer to go to clinics for treatment instead of visiting pharmacies.
Nabila Gazali, 32, said she felt more confident with the medication prescribed by doctors.
“Even if it’s just a headache, my family will still go there to get Panadols without seeing the doctors,” she said.
She added that she could also get more details on her condition if she sought treatment from doctors at clinics, who usually recommend specific medication as well.
Nurul Azwa contributed to this article.
Errant pharmacists taking ‘business’ away from clinics, say docs