Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

Aims: Ethics is the heart of health care [1] and there is an expectation that health care providers and other professionals will adopt a degree of ethics in their professional duties and practice. The aim of the study is to investigate the over the counter sale of prescription medicines in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Study Design: The methodology involves a triangulation approach including the survey of selected health professionals and patients and the participant observation methodology covering the direct observation of selling and buying of medication in pharmacies.
Results: The results indicate that the problem is endemic in the Emirates and that, while the health authorities assert that it is a law enforcement issue, other respondents agree that there is an inherent and underlying element of professional ethics for Pharmacists. Others even think it is a cultural issue. The study concludes that the practice has both ethical and legal dimensions.
Conclusion: The study concludes further that the practice is endemic and that, on the basis of the reasons given by buyers and sellers of medications, a comprehensive approach may be necessary to identify strategies to alleviate the situation.