[sadhuji]

A warning has been sounded that toddlers should be given tonics to check cough and cold only after due consultation of the physician. This should be made applicable not only for toddlers but for adults as well. However, many of us believe in self medication. We know about certain medicines that can cure simple diseases – if you have a headache take so-an-so tablet. If you feel giddy, there is so-and-so in the market. If there is joint pain or muscle pain, there are ready pain killers. All these medicines are sold over the counter without prescriptions. This trend is seen in Bengali homes where even young kids rattle off names of medicines – I have heard them. There are columns in newspapers where free advice is given as a part of reader service. Those who offer such advice are established experts in their respective fields and people rely blindly on these free advices. These can be harmful in the long run and should be checked.

[jyotirmoy]

When my doctor friend started practicing in Delhi, a medical representative advised him not to give medicines to the patients in their original packets or foils unless unavoidable. The rep told him that next time any body in the patient's family or friends develop similar symptom wouldn't come to you and simply buy this medicine and take that. Of course his advise to my friend was totally comercial in nature.