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

    4 min read

    On foot

    Sujan Shrestha , Ayushma Regmi - April 13, 2020

    Hundreds continue to flock out everyday from the joblessness, hunger and desperation that has come to plague their lives during the lockdown.

    COVID19

    Features

    5 min read

    Polls in the time of a pandemic

    Bhadra Sharma - January 24, 2021

    Vaccinating Nepalis will cost billions of rupees, but the Oli government would rather divert government funds towards election preparations

    COVID19

    Features

    6 min read

    Everest’s porters shoulder the heaviest burdens of the pandemic

    Tulsi Rauniyar - September 13, 2021

    The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the tourism industry to a grinding halt and among those most affected have been thousands of porters.

    News

    3 min read

    Crackdown on peaceful protesters as the government abuses power

    The Record - June 9, 2020

    Police respond to protests with water cannons and arrests

    COVID19

    3 min read

    Fact-checked: WHO hasn’t revised coronavirus risk level for Nepal

    Injina Panthi - April 28, 2020

    A dozen media outlets in Nepal have published news claiming that the World Health Organization (WHO) has removed Nepal from the list of countries at high risk of COVID-19.

    COVID19

    News

    4 min read

    Covid19 Roundup, 3 May: Cases jump to 75 as Nepali deaths globally reach 73

    The Record - May 3, 2020

    A daily summary of all Covid19 related developments that matter

    COVID19

    Features

    7 min read

    Jumping the vaccine queue

    Dewan Rai , Bhadra Sharma - February 9, 2021

    Many Nepalis are outraged that journalists, UN staff, and diplomats are eligible for vaccinations ahead of the elderly and at-risk groups.

    COVID19

    News

    5 min read

    Covid19 Roundup, 11 May: Cases reach 134 as MPs propose bigger health budget

    The Record - May 11, 2020

    A daily summary of Covid19 related developments that matter

    • About
    • Contributors
    • Jobs
    • Contact

    CONNECT WITH US

    © Copyright the Record | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy