LOGIN DASHBOARD

    COVID19

    Photo Essays

    2 MIN READ

    Prescriptions during the pandemic

    Deewash Shrestha, June 2, 2021, Kathmandu

    Prescriptions during the pandemic

      Share this article

    Despite a fear of contracting the coronavirus, pharmacists have stayed open, providing essential services during the lockdown.

    (All Photos- Deewash Shrestha )

    Frontline health workers have been the heroes of this pandemic. Ever since Covid-19 struck the world in 2019, doctors, nurses, technicians, ambulance drivers, sanitation staff, and others have been working round-the-clock to save lives amid dire conditions. One group of frontline healthcare workers, however, has been largely forgotten -- pharmacists. 

    As the second Covid-19 wave struck Nepal and the country went into lockdown, doctors advised citizens to stay home and not visit the hospital for minor symptoms as healthcare institutions were fast getting overwhelmed. At these times, pharmacists provided medical advice and over-the-counter medication. During the lockdown, pharmacies stayed open and workers continued to provide services to both coronavirus and non-coronavirus patients, despite the ever-present threat of infection.  

    The Record spent a day at Chabahil and Boudha, observing pharmacists fulfill prescriptions, provide medication, and give advice for non-serious ailments. Here is a glimpse of what life is like for a pharmacy under lockdown.


    The New Boudha Pharmacy in Boudha has been operating for 30 years. It is now open from 7am in the morning to 9pm at night.

    Fifty-nine-year-old Mukunda Krishna Shrestha is a licenced pharmacist who has been working longer hours than usual during the lockdown. 

    According to Shrestha, most people come to his shop for zinc tablets, vitamin supplements, and paracetamol.

    “We are as scared about the virus as others, but we have no option than to do our job,” said 55-year-old, Mahendra Shrestha, who is also a pharmacist at the New Boudha Pharmacy.

    People wait for their medical supplies at the other end of a mirror shield. Both Mukunda and Mahendra have been vaccinated with the Covishield vaccine.   

    A customer waits for their medication through a small window put in place due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Nepal Police personnel conduct frequent patrols to make sure the prohibitory orders are being followed. Apart from pharmacies, all the other shops are currently closed. 

     



    author bio photo

    Deewash Shrestha  Deewash Shrestha is a student of Media Studies and a freelancer He can be reached via email: deewash.shrestha@yahoo.com

            



    Comments

    Get the best of

    the Record

    Previous Next

    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    Features

    5 min read

    Reconciliation reached among NCP’s leaders

    Bhadra Sharma - September 11, 2020

    The ruling party’s top leaders have finally come to a truce, but the peace probably won’t last

    COVID19

    Explainers

    8 min read

    Here’s all you need to know about the Covid-19 treatments everyone is talking about

    Marissa Taylor - May 6, 2021

    With misinformation rampant on social media, it is imperative that people know what Covid-19 treatments work and what do not.

    Opinions

    4 min read

    Supporting teachers during Covid-19

    Mohit Rauniyar - July 26, 2020

    To prevent students from falling behind during this crisis and beyond, teachers must be provided all the help they need

    COVID19

    News

    3 min read

    Covid19 Roundup, 27 May: Sharp spike in Covid19 cases and migrant returnee dies at the border

    The Record - May 27, 2020

    A daily summary of Covid19-related developments that matter

    COVID19

    News

    4 min read

    Covid19 Roundup, 8 April: Covid19 kit procurement, NA-APF hospitals ready for emergency, and blood shortage

    The Record - April 8, 2020

    A daily summary of Covid19 related developments that matter

    Features

    5 min read

    MPs pressured into returning their Dashain allowances

    The Record - October 19, 2020

    The earlier decision to provide festival perks to lawmakers—even as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the general populace—has been widely panned

    COVID19

    Features

    10 min read

    Stress and suicide in Nepal’s quarantines

    Bidya Rai - July 30, 2020

    Several inmates have died by suicide while many others have been hobbled by the depression and anxiety resulting from conditions inside Nepal’s ill-managed quarantine facilities

    COVID19

    News

    2 min read

    Daily Covid infections cross the 2,000 mark

    The Record - September 18, 2020

    Two days after the end of lockdown, the spread of coronavirus has passed a new threshold

    • About
    • Contributors
    • Jobs
    • Contact

    CONNECT WITH US

    © Copyright the Record | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy