Let patients choose where they want to collect their medicine

The medical profession continues to be respected here, but the few black sheep highlighted recently — doctors who misuse the trust and authority conferred upon them by prescribing and dispensing medicine for financial gain — should be the catalyst for change.

I am not advocating a total overhaul, but a compromise that would lead to better outcomes for the safety, convenience and finances of patients.

After their consultation, patients should be able to choose whether they want to get their medicine from the doctor’s clinic or from a pharmacist, who may not be as convenient to get medicine from, but is impartial in dispensing medication.

Polyclinics could also consider setting up pharmacies closer to residents in the heartlands, to incentivise patients to get medicine from pharmacists.

The report “New lockers at 7-11 stores let polyclinic patients pick up medicine all day” (July 20) highlights how medicine can be picked up at convenient locations.

However, this leaves out interaction with pharmacists, who can also answer questions patients may have about medications.

Ultimately, patients should have autonomy over how they want to get their medicine, and pharmacists should reclaim their dispensing rights.