Pharmacy First – You’ve likely heard this phrase before, but what does it actually mean in a community or retail pharmacy setting? Many clients with access to this, especially first time users aren’t sure whether they should be using pharmacy first or not.
In the months following its launch, we’ve noticed that many people are facing challenges in accessing this service, both from the perspective of providers and the consumers using it. From this experience, we’ve developed our own approach to when and how to use pharmacy first service effectively.
In this guide, we’ll clarify what pharmacy first really is, without using any complicated pharmaceutical terms. We’ll look at the real benefits and potential downsides, helping you as a healthcare provider or patient decide whether to use pharmacy first or not.
Here are the topics we’ll cover. You can use the quick links below to jump to the one that interests you the most:
- What is pharmacy first?
- Who is eligible to use the Pharmacy First service?
- How does pharmacy first work?
- What can pharmacy first treat?
- Pros and Cons of using pharmacy first
- The importance of selecting a good pharmacy
What Is Pharmacy First?
In Kenya, the pharmacy is often the first place people visit when they feel unwell, before considering a hospital for further medical care.
When you fall ill, your first thought is often about finding the easiest way to access healthcare. That’s why many patients prefer visiting a chemist or pharmacy to manage simple health conditions, avoiding long hospital queues.
For example, if you have a headache or the flu, a pharmacist can help manage these conditions, saving you both time and money compared to visiting a hospital.
This concept forms the foundation for Pharmacy first.
Pharmacy first enables retail or community pharmacies to offer medications and treat common health conditions, eliminating the need for a hospital visit—no appointment required.
Who is eligible to use the Pharmacy First service?
Currently pharmacy first service is being offered by Old Mutual and Britam insurance companies in Kenya.
Your insurance provider will advice you which pharmacy to visit for the pharmacy first service.
How does pharmacy first work?
Pharmacy first relies on pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists as the primary professionals to manage patients. Here is how it works;
- You visit a participating pharmacy and consult with a pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist about your symptoms.
- The pharmacist assesses your condition and determines if it can be treated within the scope of the Pharmacy First program.
- If appropriate, the pharmacist provides the necessary medication or advice on managing your condition.
- If your condition requires further medical attention, the pharmacist will refer you to a hospital or another healthcare professional.
- If the condition requires a doctor’s consultation, this can be arranged at the pharmacy through telemedicine, such as an online consultation service like SasaDoctor or Health X Africa.
- If the condition can be managed by speaking to the doctor as above, a prescription will be send to the pharmacy and the drugs dispensed to the patient.
What can pharmacy first treat?
The Pharmacy First service allows pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments, which typically don’t require a hospital visit and can be effectively managed with over-the-counter medications or professional advice from a pharmacist or pharmaceutical technologist.
Common minor ailments that can be treated through the Pharmacy First service include conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats, headaches, hay fever, and allergies.
It also covers minor cuts, grazes, skin rashes, and irritations, along with cold sores, mouth ulcers, constipation, and diarrhea.
Other conditions like heartburn, indigestion, minor burns, earaches, athlete’s foot, insect bites, dry skin, and eczema can also be managed.
Additionally, issues like nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, thrush, and minor aches or pains are treatable, reducing the need for a hospital visit.
Pros and Cons of using pharmacy first
As with most things, Pharmacy First has its pros and cons. Let’s start by exploring the advantages.
Advantages of Pharmacy First
- Convenience: You can get treatment for minor ailments without needing to book a doctors appointment, saving you time.
- Accessibility: Pharmacies often have longer opening hours, making it easier to get help when you need it.
- Cost-Effective: It can be cheaper than visiting a hospital or doctor, especially if you only need over-the-counter medication
Disadvantages of Pharmacy First
- Limited Scope: Pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists can only treat minor ailments. More serious conditions still require a visit to a doctor or specialist.
- Medication Restrictions: Pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists may not be able to prescribe certain medications that a doctor can.
The importance of selecting a good pharmacy
Selecting a good pharmacy is crucial because it ensures you receive high-quality care, accurate medication, and professional advice.
A trusted pharmacy offers comprehensive services like health screenings and vaccinations, helps manage your medications, and provides personalized care.
Additionally, a convenient pharmacy with reliable hours and locations makes accessing necessary medications and services easier.
Not all pharmacies provide the Pharmacy First service, even if they accept Britam and Old Mutual as at the time of writing this.
Some of the pharmacies that offer this service include:
For Old Mutual: One Stop Pharmacy, Goodlife Pharmacy, Malibu Pharmacy, Livia Health My Dawa, Select Haltons Pharmacies, Select Inkamed Pharmacies
For Britam: Haltons PharmacyGoodLife Pharmacy Malibu Pharmacy Dovey Pharmacy, My Dawa.
Here are some quick final thoughts
- Pharmacy first is very convenient to the patient and if managed well it will have a great positive healthcare impact.
- Once patients understand what they can and can’t get using the insurance pharmacy first is going to have a smooth run since this is how many Kenyans access healthcare only that now it is on insurance.