Top 5 developments in pharmacy services & over-the-counter medicines to look out for in 2021 |05 January 2021
The coronavirus pandemic has brought about a challenging year for healthcare and pharmaceuticals across the world – the effects of which will be seen and felt quite strongly in pharmacy services and over-the-counter medicines this year.
To learn more, Seychelles NATION spoke to Zarine Udwadia-Durup, pharmacist at Behram’s Plaisance Pharmacy, who shares with us her prediction for the top 5 developments that we can expect to see in 2021.
- Increasing sales of over-the-counter medicines
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been a surge in people stocking up on basic, over the counter medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and cold/flu medicines. Probably the main reason for this is possibly because they have been self-medicating due to the fact that many of them don’t want to go out of the house and risk catching Covid. With the Covid-19 virus still being around and the imminent threat of its new strain reaching our shores, I’m sure that this trend of self-medicating for minor ailments will continue through to 2021.
- Increasing demand for home testing kits
In addition to the above, I think there will also be an increase in the demand and sales for home testing kits such as blood pressure monitors, blood glucose machines and nebulizers. As I previously mentioned, some patients are hesitant to leave their homes and also don’t want to sit on the benches at the clinics for a long time. While it is good to have such medical devices at home, it is important that pharmacists and pharmacy staff reinforce the need for their patients to have regular check-ups at their respected clinics, and reinforce the safety aspects of such machines.
- Increasing sales for repeat prescription & essential medicines
Sales for repeat prescription medicines may also increase for essential medicines for high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Again, patients are hesitant to spend time sitting at the clinics so prefer to come in to private pharmacies.
- Use of HIV Self-Test Kit
Home testing kits for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); this was spoken about on World Aids Day, on December 1, 2020, and the Ministry of Health has approved the use of the ‘Mylan HIV Self-Test Kit’ in Seychelles. So far it is only being used by the hospital, but there may be a potential to see such kits being sold in pharmacies.
- Potential for pharmacies to offer flu & Covid-19 vaccines
Pharmacies in countries like the United Kingdom (UK) have been offering flu vaccines to the public for a number of years now. While it may still be a bit way off in Seychelles, pharmacists may eventually be able to do something similar to relieve pressure off the government clinics. I personally, as a pharmacist, would welcome such a service! Just as a side note, it is also important to know that in some countries, selected pharmacies have been chosen to take part in the Covid-19 vaccination programme to help relieve pressure in other healthcare facilities. If the Covid-19 infections continue to rise, maybe this is something for us to consider implementing in Seychelles?
For more information, contact Behram’s Plaisance Pharmacy:
- Telephone: 4 345 783
- Email: plaisancepharmacy@seychelles.net