By Pharmacist Saini Kennedy L.

Life doesn’t adhere to a 8AM-to-5PM schedule, especially when it comes to health. Whether you need to refill a prescription after hours, purchase over-the-counter medication late at night, seek NHIMA services or seek assistance during an unexpected illness, 24/7 pharmacy services can be invaluable. However, not all pharmacies offer the same round-the-clock options, and those that do may have limitations on what’s available during the night. This guide will clarify what you can expect from our 24/7 pharmacies located at Intercity, Chilenje and UTH outlets, what services may be restricted, and how to maximize these extended hours.

Understanding 24/7 Pharmacy Services

Our 24/7 pharmacies are open every hour of every day, including weekends and holidays. These outlets provide essential services like prescription refills, emergency medication supplies, NHIMA services and basic health products whenever you need them.

Services Available at our 24/7 Pharmacies

Visit our Intercity, UTH or Chilenje Pharmacies any time, any day of the week for:

1. Prescription Refills and Pickups
Our 24/7 pharmacies allow you to refill and pick up prescriptions at any time. This is crucial if you run out of a necessary medication late at night.

2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
– If you need cold medicine, pain relievers, or allergy treatments in the middle of the night, our 24/7 pharmacies stock a variety of OTC products, including:
– Pain and fever reducers
– Cough and cold remedies
– Digestive aids
– Allergy and sinus medications
– First aid supplies
– Our skilled staff are available to assist you in selecting the right product if you have questions about dosage or potential interactions.

3. Emergency Medication Supplies
If you forget or lose your medication while traveling, our 24/7 pharmacy may be able to provide a limited emergency supply of certain prescriptions until you can consult your doctor. This service is especially beneficial for chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or hypertension.

4. Injectable Contraception
Our 24-hour pharmacies offer injectable contraceptive services in addition to all the other contraceptives such as emergency contraception, combined oral contraception, and condoms among others.

5. Health Screenings and Consultations
– Pharmacists can conduct basic health screenings, including:
– Blood pressure checks
– Blood sugar monitoring
– Malaria Testing among others

6. Medication Counselling
– If you have questions about a new prescription, our 24/7 pharmacy with an on-duty pharmacist can provide guidance at any time. This may include:
– Instructions on how to take your medication correctly
– Information about potential side effects
– Checking for interactions with other medications or supplements

7. Online Pharmacy Portal and Apps
– Our 24/7 pharmacies now offer online tools that act like a virtual 24/7 pharmacy. These platforms allow you to:
– Refill prescriptions online
– Schedule pickup or home delivery
– Chat with a pharmacist
– Access medication information at any time
– These digital resources are especially beneficial for patients who prefer convenience or cannot visit the store in person.

8. 24/7 Compounding Medications
Pharmacy professionals are always available to compound medications as required.

9. NHIMA Insurance Service Provision 
NHIMA clients can access ensured services at our UTH branch at any time reducing the queues and enhancing client inconvenience.

Advantages of Using a 24/7 Pharmacy

Convenience: Access medications and products anytime.
Peace of Mind: Especially beneficial for families with young children or chronic conditions.
Emergency Preparedness: Essential for urgent health needs when other facilities are closed.
Travel Support: Ideal for travellers dealing with time zone differences or lost prescriptions.