Cipher-based prescriptions in Badghis trigger complaints

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): A number of pharmacists in western Badghis province complain that doctors encipher prescriptions to make benefits, saying the practice can even cost the lives of patients.

Cipher-based prescription has been a challenge in Badghis province for a long time and has always been complained about and pharmacists want the government to prevent it.

Mohammad Yar, a pharmacist in Qala-i-Naw, told Pajhwok Afghan News that some doctors wrote prescriptions in codes that no one could understand except their own pharmacy staff.

Ahmad, another medicine seller, said some doctors enciphered prescriptions for their own benefit, but it had created a challenge for patients and drug sellers. He said they had many times shared the issue with local officials, but to no avail.

On the other hand, Arbab Sheikh al-Islami, a civil society activist, also criticized the practice and called it tantamount to playing with people’s lives.

Khan Mohammad Himmat, Badghis acting public health director, confirmed cipher-based prescriptions by doctors in the province, but he said they had always tried to resolve the problem.

He said the Public Health Ministry had provided information and awareness to the public and doctors about the issue and anyone who disobeyed the orders would be dealt with legally.

hz/sa/ma

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