KARACHI: A recent notification by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) that prohibits physicians from prescribing multivitamins and allows pharmacists to sell them over the counter is widely criticised by professional organisations representing health experts who have demanded immediate withdrawal of the said order.

In a letter to the federal health authorities, the Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) has described the ban on qualified professionals from prescribing medicines as highly inappropriate.

“Prescribing medicines according to the needs of the patient and diagnosis of illness is the domain of doctors in the whole world. Registered medical practitioners can prescribe any registered medicines if a patient needs it, both for curative and preventive purposes,” the association stated in the letter dated Feb 13.

The association was of the view that pharmacists were not qualified “enough to diagnose the medical conditions required for various nutritional deficiencies”

The experts feared that the recognised absence of pharmacists at medical stores would give the person at the counter full authority to dispense medications at his own will.

The letter also highlights the extremely poor nutritional status of Pakistani children and warns that “inappropriate prescription” related to vitamins such as Vitamin A and Vitamin D can have serious side effects in case of their overdose.

Expressing similar concerns, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) said in a statement that the PMDC’s ban posed a significant threat to patient safety and undermined the role of medical professionals in ensuring adequate healthcare.

“Multivitamins play a crucial role in maintaining optimal health and preventing various deficiencies that can lead to serious health complications. Physicians, with their knowledge and expertise, are best equipped to determine the appropriate usage and dosage of multivitamins based on a patient’s medical history, current health condition, and specific nutritional needs,” it added.

The council had compromised patients’ well-being and disregarded the professional judgement of doctors by prohibiting physicians from prescribing multivitamins, it added.

“This decision undermines the necessity of a comprehensive examination and consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Without proper medical supervision, patients are at risk of incorrect usage, self-medication, and potential adverse reactions,” it said.

It urged the council to reconsider this “ill-advised” notification and engage in a meaningful dialogue with medical professionals to address any concerns or potential issues.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2024