Pharmacies in Delta State are performing hospital functions and endangering the lives of residents, FIJ has learned.

A health worker who asked not to be named said this is common in the Ughelli and Warri areas of the state.

“The pharmacists set up a main shop used as the pharmacy,” he told FIJ. “Somewhere in a corner will be a curtain where they perform operations that should be done in a hospital.

“There, pharmacists and unqualified nurses usurp the duties of a medical doctor. They diagnose, administer drugs and injections and also carry out abortions.

READ ALSO: I Don’t Know Happiness Anymore, Says Woman Whose Pharmacy Was Burnt Down by Landlord

The source narrated the experience of a young lady who had a bitter experience in a pharmacy within the state.

“She went to Overflow Pharmacy, Warri, Delta State, and complained of general body pains. Without proper examination, the pharmacist began procedures for malaria treatment,” he said.

“She was given Diclofenac, whereas she had ulcer. An ulcer patient cannot take Diclofenac, but the pharmacist didn’t check that. She reacted to the drug. She suffered stomach ache, loss of sleep and was throwing up. She had to take another drug before she got better.

“Big pharmacy stores like Kesteg Pharmacy, Ughelli, Overflow and Glimcare in Warri are guilty of this. Even small pharmacies do this.”

FIJ’s calls to the Delta State Ministry of Health were not answered. A text message sent had also not been responded to at press time.