Today, I want to express my concern about how some over-the-counter medicine sellers handle health complaints in our communities. A boy who is barely 16 years old developed rashes and itching on parts of his body. Instead of visiting a hospital or clinic for proper medical assessment, he went to an over-the-counter medicine shop, hoping to get relief. According to the information available, the medicine seller gave him several medications: - Cetirizine 10 mg — twice daily. - Chlorpheniramine 4 mg — twice daily. - Griseofulvin 500 mg — daily. - Cotrimoxazole 480 mg — two tablets twice daily. The boy reportedly took these medicines for three days. Afterwards, he developed widespread rashes and swelling of the face. Now, let me ask a simple but important question: Why would you give a young boy several medications without first establishing the possible cause of his condition? Rashes and itching can result from several conditions, including allergies, fungal infections, and other skin disorders. These conditions do not all require the same treatment. A proper assessment is important to determine the appropriate medication and dosage. What troubles me most is what reportedly happened next. After taking the medicines for three days and developing these new symptoms, the boy returned to the same medicine shop. It was then that he was advised to go to the hospital. My question is this: When the boy first came to you with his complaint, why didn't you refer him to a hospital or clinic for proper assessment? Why wait until the situation potentially becomes more serious before recommending that he seek professional medical attention? If you believe the condition requires several different medications, shouldn't that make you even more concerned about the need for a proper diagnosis? Let me be clear: An over-the-counter medicine shop should not become a substitute for proper clinical assessment when a patient's condition requires further investigation. Medicine sellers must recognise their professional limits and refer patients appropriately. I am not suggesting that every medicine seller is irresponsible. Many provide valuable services to our communities. However, the sale of medicines must go hand in hand with responsibility, appropriate advice, and concern for patient safety. WE CANNOT PUT THE SALE OF MEDICINES AHEAD OF HUMAN LIVES. This case also raises an important question about accountability. When a patient develops new symptoms after taking medicines supplied by a seller, we must take the situation seriously and establish what happened. We should not automatically assume that the medicines caused the reaction, but neither should we ignore the possibility. Facial swelling accompanied by widespread rashes after taking medication can indicate a serious allergic reaction. The boy needs urgent medical assessment. If he is experiencing difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat, emergency care is essential. MY MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC Do not treat every health complaint by purchasing medicines without proper advice. When you develop unexplained rashes, persistent itching, or other unusual symptoms, seek assessment from a qualified health professional. AND TO MEDICINE SELLERS, I SAY THIS: Sometimes, the best service you can offer a patient is not selling a medicine but referring that patient to a health facility. Our communities deserve better. We need responsible medicine sales, appropriate referrals, and a health system that puts patient safety first. SO, LET ME ASK YOU: Should medicine sellers be held accountable when they supply multiple medications without adequately assessing a patient's condition, especially when the patient is a minor? THIS IS MY OPINION. WHAT IS YOURS? KOJO TONTOH