Information services provided in pharmacies

In its efforts to protect consumers, the Association for Consumer Rights (ACR) is pointing out the fact that pharmacies are charging a fee to persons who are visiting doctors/consultants who have their practice in such pharmacies.  This fee, which is charged over and above the fee charged by the doctor or consultant, covers the use of the waiting room and the use of any other facilities available

Whilst keeping the above-mentioned fee as low as possible, the pharmacist is duty-bound to inform the consumer, even before entering the pharmacy to avail himself/herself of the services of a doctor or consultant, of the said fee by fixing a notice in full view of the consumer, having the amount that is to be paid for the use of the waiting room. The pharmacist is to inform any consumers phoning to make appointments with doctors or consultants about this fee.

When buying prescribed medicines, consumers have the right to ask the pharmacist, to put in writing on a specific dispensing form, the dosage which had been prescribed and any information that the patient should know, especially if they are dealing with elderly people or vulnerable individuals who are at risk of forgetting what the doctor told them.

The pharmacist should also make sure that the PIL (the literature that accompanies the medicine) is in English or Maltese, so that consumers can understand the information and make us of it at any time when necessary.

Sib hawn l-informazzjoni bil-Malti.