Medicine Cabinet

A pharmacy cabinet is a health support unit that may be established only in settlements without a pharmacy, and whose operation is permitted under specific conditions. Only medications authorized by relevant regulations may be stored and distributed in these units. The operational principles are regulated by the Pharmacy Cabinet Directive issued by the Ministry of Health.

Application and Authorization Process

Physicians wishing to open a pharmacy cabinet must submit a written application to the Directorate of Health and Social Assistance to which the location is affiliated. Following the application, if an on-site inspection by the relevant authorities confirms compliance with the provisions of the Directive, permission is granted to open the cabinet. Reports and information regarding this process are transmitted to the Health Agency (currently the Ministry of Health).

Violations and Sanctions

Physicians who violate the provisions of the Directive receive two written warnings from the Health Agency. If non-compliance continues despite these warnings, the cabinet is closed and no further pharmacy cabinet may be opened in the same area. Medications from closed cabinets are transferred under supervision to another pharmacy or storage facility.

First Aid Materials and Medications Required in a Pharmacy Cabinet

A pharmacy cabinet is a storage unit for medical products and first aid supplies that ensure prompt and effective intervention in emergency health situations at home, school, or workplace. When selecting medications and equipment for the cabinet, common illnesses, accident risks, and the specific health needs of family members must be considered. Medications requiring a doctor’s prescription must be stored in the correct dosage and under appropriate conditions.

Medications Required in a Pharmacy Cabinet

• Antibiotic Ointment: Provides protection against infection in open wounds such as cuts and abrasions and promotes rapid healing.
• Fever Reducers and Syrups: Used to lower high fever, particularly for fever management in children.
• Burn and Irritation Ointments: Offer soothing and healing effects in cases of sunburn, thermal burns, or skin irritation.
• Pain Relievers: Used to alleviate pain in conditions such as headache, toothache, muscle pain, and sprains.
• Antacids (Tablets or Syrup): Neutralize stomach acid in cases of heartburn, indigestion, or excess acidity.
• Antihistamines: Used to control allergic reactions; reduce symptoms such as itching, redness, and runny nose.
• Activated Charcoal: Used to prevent absorption of toxins in cases such as food poisoning.
• Anti-nausea Medications: Effective in relieving nausea and vomiting.
• Anti-itch Ointments and Lotions: Used for conditions causing skin itching such as allergies, insect bites, or eczema.
• Vaseline: Used to prevent skin dryness, cracking, or irritation due to friction.
• Sunscreen: Provides protective effect against harmful UV rays from the sun; essential for outdoor activities especially during summer months.

First Aid Materials Required in a Pharmacy Cabinet

• Sterile Cotton and Gauze Pads: Used for cleaning and dressing wounds; must be available in various sizes.
• Bandages (Sterile and Elastic): Used to wrap and secure wounds; elastic bandages are preferred for sprains and compression dressings.
• Adhesive Tape and Wound Strips: Used to secure dressings and cover small wounds.
• Triangular Bandage: Used as a sling to support or immobilize limbs such as the arm or leg.
• Safety Pin: Used to secure bandages when adhesive tape is insufficient.
• Scissors: Used to cut bandages, tape, and dressings to appropriate sizes.
• Tweezers: Required for removing foreign objects such as splinters or thorns.
• Thermometer: Enables monitoring of fever in febrile illnesses.
• Antiseptic Solutions: Used to prevent wound infection (e.g., tincture of iodine, povidone-iodine, hydrogen peroxide).
• Ammonia: May be used as a stimulant in cases of fainting.
• Alcohol: Used for disinfection purposes.
• Latex Gloves: Required to maintain hygiene and reduce infection risk during dressing changes.
• Small Mirror: Facilitates examination of hard-to-see areas such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Other Items Required in a Pharmacy Cabinet

• Glucose Tablets (dual-packaged): Must be available for rapid treatment of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Splint (rigid cardboard or wood): Used for temporary immobilization of fractures or dislocations.
• Sterile Syringes (2 units, 5 cc each): Must be kept on hand for emergency injections.
• Cloth Strip for Tourniquet: Used to temporarily stop severe bleeding.
• First Aid Manual: Provides guidance for individuals without first aid knowledge.
• Emergency Contact Numbers: Important contact information such as hospital, ambulance, and family physician must be affixed to the inside or outside of the cabinet lid.