Role of a Chemist in an Individual’s Health

Are you also a person who asks a chemist like, “Bhaiya! Sir dard ki goli Dena”. Are you?

Well, I’m the same as you. I hardly remember the names of pharmaceutical salts of the medicines and just depend upon a chemist or someone that I trust. I still use the same terms for medicines, “Sir dard ki goli.”  

Coming from a zone where I have many people around me who are from the medical sector, I still never paid attention to the names or salts of medicines. Why? Because I had a lot of trust in the chemists. I appreciate the pharmacist’s role in the healthcare system and how they help us keep moving without minor but most annoying health issues like headaches, toothaches, back pain, etc.

Whenever I reached out to a chemist with the problem, he handed over the best solution. So a chemist’s store is like a spot where you get answers. A doctor undoubtedly plays a more significant role in an individual’s health. Still, chemists made me believe every health worker is equally essential. 

I had a word with a chemist near my home. I tried to make him feel proud about his job, like the way he helps others resolve their daily minor health issues. He said that “Yes! People trust me and ask for the solution, But..”

“But…?” I asked. 

He continued, “But, people need to limit their trust in chemists.”

“In what way?”

“People must understand the difference between OTC (Over-the-counter) and prescribed medications. Some people insist on giving solutions for severe health issues, but that is part of a doctor’s responsibility. We are not authorized to do so!”

He was right!

He continued sharing his experience. “Everyone in the healthcare system plays an important role. A nurse does what is supposed to; a chemist does the same, and a doctor. Don’t just mix them up and create confusion about their roles. A patient must get appropriate help only from authorized healthcare professionals, like getting assistance from a nurse during a treatment, getting suggestions for medicines from a chemist, general healthcare advice, a prescription from a doctor.” That’s it.

I agreed and got lost in the ocean of thoughts. I read some helpful information about the healthcare system in India. Whether it is India or the USA, healthcare is all about helping others. They all do the same thing within the limits of their authorization. 

Let’s get back to the role of pharmacist in the health care system. It is more important if we see the way we are living. All of us are busy; we are always in a hurry. 

Our way of living includes stress, unnecessary workload, minor health issues hitting all the time, etc. Thinking in terms of all these daily life problems, chemists play a significant role in solving all of them for us. 

How? Here is how a chemist helps me…

I work on screens for more than continuous 6 hours every day. It results in a stiffened backbone, stressed eyes, minor headaches, and many other things. I know changing the way I sit, reducing screen time, and doing exercises will help me solve these petty issues. But, due to lack of time, I skip all these natural remedies and ask a chemist for help. Ultimately, a chemist’s solutions help me continue my busy life without obstacles. 

Solutions To Suggestions!

A good suggestion is also a solution. Every time a chemist cannot provide you with a solution, he is always there with a recommendation. 

I receive a lot of suggestions from the chemist I visit. Whether it is included in chemist roles and responsibilities, it is the part of “Help,” a core responsibility of every healthcare professional. 

When I had issues with dry skin after using alcohol-based sanitizer, my chemist suggested I use an HOCl-based sanitizer. He helped me overcome the problems of low metabolism with some energy tonics and much more. The list is so long. Their suggestions & solutions are essential for individual health. A final word would be, “A chemist is essential but, don’t rely completely on them, because some things must only be sought through a doctor.” Stay Healthy!!!

-Pankaj Rai