The Rounds Journal · For pharmacists
Shortages, stigma and safety at the pharmacy counter
Some medicines are hard to get, mental-health treatment carries stigma, and staff in busy pharmacies face harassment. Pharmacists sit where all three meet.
Pharmacists are often the person a patient sees when a medicine is missing. They also deal with the frustration that follows, and sometimes with abuse that has little to do with the medicine at all.
“Outside of Israel ... it’s practically impossible to get a diagnosis, much less medications like Adderall.”
“I moved to a Middle Eastern country that has very limited access to medication and my life is falling apart.”
“we had a problem patient... told me and another employee, both Asian, to go back to our countries”
Controlled and hard-to-find medicines
Many medicines for ADHD, pain and some mental-health conditions are tightly controlled in the region. Some are not registered at all, and others need special prescriptions or approvals. People moving to the region from abroad can find that a treatment they relied on is unavailable or needs a new diagnosis locally.
Stigma
Mental-health conditions still carry stigma in many communities, which can make patients reluctant to seek a diagnosis or to ask questions at the counter. A pharmacist who explains options discreetly and without judgement can make a real difference.
What pharmacists can do
Tell patients early when stock is short, and contact the prescriber about alternatives.
Advise people moving to or travelling in the region to check controlled-medicine rules before they arrive.
Offer a private space for conversations about mental-health medicines.
Report shortages through your organisation's procurement or regulatory channels.
Staff safety
Report every incident of harassment or racist abuse, even when service continues.
Ask your employer for a written policy on abusive customers and support for staff.
Make sure staff are never left alone at the counter during high-risk hours.
Controlled-medicine rules differ by country and change over time. Check with the relevant health authority.