The medical unit of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has placed an embargo on the dispensation of medications to family members of staff in absentia.
SHIPS & PORTS learnt that the move became necessary following the rampant practice of collecting medications from the NSC clinic by staff on behalf of their family members without necessarily presenting such family members physically at the clinic.
The NSC medical unit said the practice has become dangerous and is against medical ethics.
An internal memo issued by the NSC medical unit, a copy of which was obtained by SHIPS & PORTS on Tuesday reads: “Please note that due to medical ethics and medico-legal reasons, the clinic will henceforth no longer be able to release medications for family members not seen physically in the clinic (in absentia).
“This practice of treating dependants/spouses, especially babies and children, without seeing and examining them first, is a very dangerous one which may lead to unforeseen negative reactions.
“Any sick dependent that cannot be brought to the clinic should be taken to their nearest retainership hospital for adequate treatment.”
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