Lautoka Pharmacy Under Investigation

A pharmacy in Lautoka is under the spotlight for allegedly giving the wrong medication to a patient.

Zillah Prakash has lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, claiming that the pharmacy staff mistakenly provided ear drops instead of the prescribed eye drops.

She claimed this has caused significant distress and potential harm to her mother, Esther Kurpuwati.

On March 12, Ms Prakash bought what she believed to be an eye drop prescribed for her mother in preparation for cataract surgery scheduled for March 18.

Ms Kurpuwati started using the drops as instructed on March 15.

Following Ms Kurpuwati’s surgery, she continued applying the drops three times a day as per the post-operative care guidelines.

However, during her review appointment on March 26, the doctor discovered that the pharmacy had mistakenly dispensed an ear drop instead of an eye drop.

Esther Kurpuwati, claimed some swelling to her eyes. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

The doctor has since written to the pharmacy requesting clarification and rectification of this issue.

As a result, Ms Kurpuwati has been scheduled for another review next month to assess any potential damage.

“This shocking revelation raises serious concerns about the potential adverse effects this may have on my mother’s vision,” said Ms Prakash.

“This incident has caused immense anxiety and distress to my mother and our family. Should any complications arise from this mistake, will the pharmacy be held responsible for the consequences?

She urges the ministry to investigate this incident thoroughly to ensure such errors do not occur in the future.

“The safety and wellbeing of patients must be prioritised, and strict measures should be in place to prevent such potentially dangerous mistakes.”

Pharmacy Profession Act 2011

In Fiji, the regulation of pharmacy practice, including the management of medication errors by pharmacists, is governed by several legislative frameworks, particularly Pharmacy Profession Act 2011, Medicinal Products Act 2011and the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004.

While specific guidelines are not explicitly detailed, the law outlines legal responsibilities of pharmacists, including standards for dispensing medications.

Fiji Pharmaceutical Society president Priyanka Prasad said: “The Fiji Pharmaceutical Society (The Society) is not a regulatory body; however, we encourage pharmacists to follow best practices in error prevention and management to ensure patient safety.”

She said every pharmacy business was different in set-up, therefore, it’s understood that every pharmacy would have its SOPs for dispensing medications and checks in place to avoid errors.”

“Any complaints should be directed towards the Fiji Pharmacy Profession Board, which is the regulatory authority in this matter.”

Fiji Pharmacy Professional Board secretary Reenal Chand said an investigation was underway after the complaint was brought to their attention.

“We are noting the complaint for investigation,” said Mr Chand.

Comments sought from Ministry of Health and Medical Services were not received when this edition went to press last night.

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