Most patients are their own docs in India

A large number of people are popping pills at the drop of a hat to control a splitting headache or a stomach gone bad.

Self-medication in Indian cities including Mumbai is extremely high, says an independent study conducted by market research company Nielsen in 18 cities across India.

Up to 79,042 individuals in the target group of five to 60 years were surveyed to find out what common ailments troubled households and the type of treatment sought to cure them. Of the people surveyed, 40,392 complained that headaches grounded them at least once in six months.

“Shockingly, 40% of patients with complaints of headache preferred to self-medicate rather than consult a doctor,” said Surjya Roy, head, pharma and health care practices, Nielsen India.

Up to 31,219 people said cold and cough was a problem at least once in six months. “A chunky 36% who contracted cough did not bother to consult a doctor. They opted to self-medicate and get better. Seventeen per cent self-medicated and eventually had to see a doctor.

Such double treatments are dangerous,” said Roy. Apart from headache and common cold, 30% of the population surveyed said they took antacid medicines for acidity, gas and indigestion problems without consulting a doctor, the report said.

Doctors said patients who consumed medicines without consulting a doctor develop health complications. “Self-medication can prove fatal at times. Often when little children have fever, their mothers make them consume a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen in doses higher than mandated. Overdose proves fatal,” said Dr Hakim Pardawalla of Saifee Hospital in south Mumbai.

He recalled the case of a 26-year-old girl who suffered liver failure and died after consuming two strips of paracetamol tablets in less than 24 hours. “An adult cannot have more than four grams of paracetamol in 24 hours. Otherwise, results are fatal.”