The Medicine May Be Right, But Can The Patient Understand The Instructions?
You walk out of the hospital with a prescription. The diagnosis was correct, the medicine is the right one. But when you get home, a real question begins: Do you actually understand how to take it?
At Citi Pharmacy, we see this every day. A patient taking two tablets instead of one. Taking medicine on an empty stomach when it should be taken with food. Stopping antibiotics after 2 days because they “feel better.” The medicine was right, but the instructions were not clear.
This gap between prescription and understanding is called low health literacy — and it is a major reason why treatments fail in Ghana.
Why Instructions Are Misunderstood in Ghana
1. Medical Jargon Is Confusing
Doctors may write “1 tab bd x 5/7” or “Take qid pc”. Even “Take twice daily” can be confusing — does it mean every 12 hours or morning and evening? For a patient, this is not clear.
2. Language Barrier
Instructions are often in English, but many patients, especially the elderly in our communities, are more comfortable in Twi, Ga, Ewe, or Hausa. A mother who understands Twi perfectly may nod to English instructions she didn’t fully grasp.
3. Low Health Literacy and Fear of Asking
Many patients are shy to ask questions. They don’t want to appear to question the doctor or pharmacist. So they leave the pharmacy with a bag of medicine and a lot of unanswered questions.
4. Poor Labeling and Small Fonts
Tiny fonts, faded printing, and labels with no local language translation make it even harder, especially for patients with low vision.
The result? Poor adherence, treatment failure, avoidable side effects, antibiotic resistance, and wasted money.
How Citi Pharmacy Is Bridging The Gap
Correct medicine is only 50% of healing. Clear understanding is the other 50%. Here is what every patient should do — and what we do at Citi Pharmacy:
1. Ask 3 Critical Questions Every Time
Before you leave the pharmacy counter, ask:
– What is this medicine for?
– How and when exactly should I take it?
– What should I avoid while taking it?
2. We Translate Instructions Into Plain Language
At Citi Pharmacy, we don’t just hand you medicine. We counsel. We explain “Take one tablet in the morning and one in the evening after food” instead of “1 bd after meals”. And when needed, we explain in Ewe, Twi, or your preferred Ghanaian language.
3. Use the Teach-Back Method
We ask you to repeat the instructions back to us. This is not a test — it is to be sure we explained well. Research shows this method improves adherence by over 30%.
4. Demand Proper Labeling
Your medicine label should have: your name, name of medicine, dose, time, duration, and date. If it doesn’t, ask for it.
5. Use Visual Aids and Written Ewe
For patients who cannot read, we use simple symbols: sun for morning, moon for night, a plate for after food. We also provide simple written instructions in Ewe on request.
A Message to Caregivers: If you are collecting medicine for an elderly parent or child, please make sure YOU understand the instructions clearly and can explain it to them at home.
The Bottom Line
A prescription is not just paper. It is a conversation. The best medicine in the world will not work if it is taken wrongly.
Next time you visit any Citi Pharmacy branch, don’t rush. Stop, ask, and make sure you understand. We are here not just to dispense medicine, but to dispense understanding.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Always follow the specific advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
FAQs Section
1. What should I do if I forget how to take my medicine after leaving the pharmacy?
Do not guess. Call your pharmacist at Citi Pharmacy or check the phone number on your medicine bag. You can also bring the medicine back for re-counselling. Never double your dose to make up for a missed dose unless advised.
2. Why do pharmacists tell me to complete my antibiotics even if I feel better?
Stopping early kills only the weaker bacteria, leaving the stronger ones to multiply. This causes the infection to return and leads to antibiotic resistance, which is a major health problem in Ghana. Always complete the full course.
3. My mother only speaks Ewe. Can you explain her medicine to her in Ewe?
Yes. At all Citi Pharmacy branches, our pharmacists and pharmacy assistants can counsel in English, Twi, Ewe, and other local languages. Please tell us her preferred language when you come.
4. Is it okay to take my medicine with sobolo, milk, or herbal mixtures?
Not always. Some medicines interact with dairy, alcohol, sobolo, or herbal preparations and may become less effective or more toxic. Always ask your pharmacist what to avoid while taking your medicine.
References
1. WHO – Medication Safety & Patient Health Literacy
2. CDC – Understanding Health Literacy
3. National Institutes of Health – The Teach-Back Method for Medication Adherence
4. Pharmacy Council Ghana – Code of Ethics & Patient Counselling Guidelines
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