ASK THE PHARMACIST | What tests and services does a pharmacy offer?

It is important to receive the right care and guidance when it comes to your health, lifestyle and medical conditions. Pharmacies act as the first point of contact for professional medical care and offer advice and information you can trust.

Regular screening and monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, among other things, are essential to taking care of your health. Most medical aids encourage regular screening and health checks as preventive measures for serious diseases. These services and more are often available at pharmacies. Clinics therein employ nurses who offer services ranging from weight-loss advice to ear irrigation.

In small towns and rural areas, these clinics are the most accessible and cost-friendly options.

Some pharmacies have focus areas, for example, baby health, beauty, frail care, weight loss, physical fitness or homeopathy. For new parents, on-site baby clinics offer advice on breastfeeding, nutrition, teething, general wellness, growth, potty-training, sleep patterns, immunisations and administering of vaccines.

The elderly can benefit from a visit to a pharmacy clinic for foot screening and care, vaccinations, intravenous administration of medication or the renting of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers/rollators and commodes (a portable chair with a built-in toilet).

Other items that may be available to rent include nebulisers, oxygen machines and related products, and CPAP machines (used by patients who experience breathing difficulties while sleeping).

Additional services a pharmacy clinic may offer include:

• Wound care. For example, the dressing of minor burns and diabetic wounds, and the removal of stitches.
• Female health support, including breast examinations and pap smears, as well as advice on contraception, fertility and pregnancy.
• Peak-flow measurement tests to assess lung function in those with asthma or emphysema.
• HIV testing, counselling and follow-up.
• Programmes to assist with quitting smoking.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening tests for males.
• Malaria screening, iron tests, drug tests and other urine tests.
• Specimen collection for laboratory tests.

Pharmacists can do a PCDT (Primary Care Drug Therapy) course. This qualification allows them to diagnose and prescribe medicines for certain primary healthcare conditions. They will refer you to a doctor if your condition is serious.

Personnel in pharmacies possess the knowledge and skills to provide excellent primary healthcare and, with other healthcare professionals, will take the best care of you and your family.

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Disclaimer: Though every effort has been made in compiling and checking the information in this column to ensure it is accurate, the author, publisher or their agents shall not be responsible or liable for the continued accuracy of the information or for any errors, omissions and inaccuracies, whether arising from negligence or otherwise, or for any consequences arising therefrom. The information contained in this column is not a substitute for a medical doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read in this column or on this website.