There was a heated debate on Monday in a WhatsApp group christened 'Thika Town Alerts II' after it emerged that a major pharmacy in Thika Town was dispensing different drugs to patients other than those prescribed to them by doctors.
It all started when a blogger, Jaymo wa Thika, posted two notes/receipts, one bearing the prescription as given at Thika Level Five Hospital and the other one showing the drugs dispensed to the same patient at Gathimaini Pharmacy.
"This pharmacy is selling the wrong dawa to the child," Jaymo captioned the image of the two notes.
The debate ensued for long with some in support and others saying it was totally wrong.
"The drug prescribed and the one sold are different. Acyclovir is antiviral while fluconazole is antifungal. So they are totally different drugs and meant for different conditions" noted jessemutahi, a member of the WhatsApp group.
Another one said, "But no problem since they can achieve the same close goal. Since the Doctor isn't sure based on the diagnostic disease."
Bethuel Aliwa, however, disagreed with the latter, "No. But acyclovir was prescribed by the doctor who saw the patient. Why would the pharmacist change?"
For Nesh, the pharmacist was right, "The pharmacist drug is much helpful than the doctor's since to fall in the 1% with viral meningitis is rare."
After a lengthy debate, professionals were called upon to intervene.
"The prescribed drug and the dispensed drugs have different indications, meaning they treat different conditions. The pharmacy should never change a prescription. That pharmacy is always congested and full of customers," Symo who claimed to be a doctor said.
"For a doctor to make such a diagnosis, a lot has been done. I always advise my patients to take and insist that no drug I have prescribed should be changed, so some come back to confirm with me," he added.
Gee was more 'conciliatory': "Pharmacists do change prescription in consultation with the doctor and the patient. A doctor can prescribe antiviral but a pharmacist can question and change if he/she is sure of the condition being treated."
"Furthermore, who says that doctors are always correct? Even dosage can be changed and that is why they are pharmacists. Kindly advise the patient to go back to his doctor and by doing so the patient will be in good hands."
One LilyM, who claimed to be a doctor too, echoed Symo's sentiments.
"As a doctor, the drug I prescribe is the one I expect the patient to buy. Our pharmacy colleagues can advise on dosage, mode of administration, and the brands available. Unless its a hospital pharmacist who will join in the ward rounds and give their input in the management wale wako na duka town should dispense what's on the prescription," she said.