Sri Lanka, Oct. 22 -- The Society of Government Pharmacists has alleged that unqualified individuals at private pharmacies are dispensing medicines, including antibiotics, to the public without prescriptions.

Addressing the media, Chairman of the Society, Ajith Tilakaratne, highlighted the seriousness of the issue: "When a patient says they have a cold or cough, antibiotics are freely given.

The Health Ministry has issued specific guidelines for doctors to follow regarding prescriptions for antibiotics. It is a serious issue when an ordinary person at a pharmacy provides antibiotics to the public."

Tilakaratne also pointed out that numerous problems arise when pharmacies operate purely for commercial purposes without following proper p...