This refers to the news “Chemists field touts in SMHS” (GK 30.09.09.). As a doctor working in the SMHS hospital, I fully agree with the views expressed in the news item. Anybody visiting the Hospital is witness to the force and unhealthy means used by these touts to woo customers. Whenever an attendant or a patient moves out of the OPD, these touts pounce on him or her and virtually drag them to their shops. And the story doesn’t end here. When somebody falls prey to any of them, contrary to what is promised to them, most of the times they end up getting substandard medicines. These chemists don’t just replace the brand of the medicine, many times they give medicines which the doctor has not even prescribed. They are doing all this at their own free will without any fear. We doctors at times have to double check the medicine given to the patients especially those who are from far flung areas. It is high time that the concerned authorities take appropriate action against these chemists and get rid of this menace once for all.
Dr. Javed Khursheed
House Surgeon,
SMHS Hospital, Srinagar.
drjavidkhursheed@gmail.com

Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Oct 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Oct 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 IST