Under the Counter, Over the Line: Guwahati's Unseen Epidemic of Self-Medication

You know, there’s a quiet habit brewing in Guwahati, a sort of collective shrug when it comes to medical advice. It’s self-medication, of course, and honestly, it’s not just a casual choice anymore; it’s practically become the norm for many. Walk into almost any pharmacy, and you’ll often find people, perhaps a bit sheepishly, asking for remedies without a doctor's slip, and more often than not, they walk out with what they came for. It’s a curious thing, really, this blend of convenience, perceived savings, and frankly, a bit of desperation.

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That nagging cough, the headache that just won't quit, or a stomach ache that feels a bit too familiar. And for many in our bustling city, the first thought isn’t always a doctor's clinic. No, it’s often the nearest chemist shop. Why? Well, for one, seeing a physician can mean time — those interminable queues, the waiting rooms, the sheer effort. And then there's the cost, a very real concern for many families. So, a quick stop at the pharmacy, a description of symptoms, and a 'here you go' from the person behind the counter seems like the perfect shortcut. It's efficient, you could say, but at what cost, really?

The problem, of course, isn't just the ease with which one can bypass a doctor. It’s the unsettling reality that many pharmacists, bless their hearts, seem to have stepped into the role of impromptu diagnosticians and prescribers. They’re often seen dishing out advice and medicines, even strong antibiotics, based purely on a patient’s verbal complaint. This isn’t a small-town anomaly, mind you; it’s happening right here, across countless counters in Guwahati, day in and day out. It’s a blurring of lines that, in truth, poses a significant threat to public health.

Take antibiotics, for instance. They're like magic bullets, right? For a common cold, a sniffle, or maybe just a vague feeling of unwellness, people often request them, convinced they'll provide a speedy recovery. But here's the kicker: colds are typically viral, and antibiotics, as we all should know, are utterly useless against viruses. Yet, they’re handed out, bought, and consumed with alarming regularity. And it’s not just antibiotics; painkillers become daily companions, antacids are popped like candies for indigestion that might hint at something more serious. It's a cocktail of risk, unknowingly consumed.

The consequences? Oh, they’re dire, truly. The most pressing concern, perhaps, is the escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance. When we misuse antibiotics, bacteria get smarter, developing resistance, rendering these vital drugs ineffective when we genuinely need them. Imagine a future where a simple infection becomes untreatable because our go-to medicines no longer work. That's not some distant dystopian nightmare; it's a very real threat knocking on our door. Beyond that, there's the risk of misdiagnosis, adverse drug reactions, and simply delaying proper treatment for serious conditions.

And yet, despite these grave dangers, the enforcement of existing laws—specifically, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940, with its clear rules against dispensing prescription drugs without a valid script—feels, well, a bit lax, wouldn't you say? Rules 65(9) and 65(10) are there for a reason: to protect us. But if they're not consistently applied, if the checks aren't robust enough, then these regulations are, for all intents and purposes, just words on paper. It's a cycle that feeds itself, perpetuating a habit that’s incredibly hard to break once established.

So, where do we go from here? This isn’t just about pointing fingers; it’s about recognizing a deeply ingrained societal habit that needs addressing, urgently. It calls for a multi-pronged approach: better public awareness campaigns, yes, but also stricter regulatory oversight and, perhaps most importantly, easier and more affordable access to qualified medical consultations. Because ultimately, our health isn't a shortcut; it's a journey that deserves the right guidance, not a gamble with pills picked up under the counter.