There is a growing trend for local companies to buy medication directly from independent phamacies instead of private hospitals and private clinics for cheaper medicine.
“As such, buying directly from the pharmacy can help them to tremendously reduce their medical bills," said the source. A private general practitioner said medicines that are bought in small quantity cost a lot, compared to those bought in bulk. “Clinics are stringently regulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act to protect the patients. Pharmacy outlets are not regulated," he said, adding they are concerned with patients’ safety and care being compromised.
“While the doctors’ role is to diagnose and treat a patient, the pharmacists oversee the dispensing of the drugs, to ensure the appropriate use of medications and medication safety," he said.