The field of health is quite broad and there are different areas of work. The list includes from researchers to more modern modalities such as content creation through the internet. Although the truth is that the majority prefer the best-known modality of care for patients in the office. To do so, it is necessary to know the legal part because there are mandatory medications that you must have or else you can get into trouble.
In this case, the complications begin at the moment of wanting to undertake and Open your own medical practice. The biggest difficulty is the economic part because a strong initial investment is needed to rent a place. In addition, the pertinent modifications must be made, furniture and professional equipment must be purchased. You should also contemplate from the beginning the fixed expenses such as the payment of water, electricity, internet and the salaries of the collaborators.
What does the current legislation say?
Now, something important that you must take into account is that there is a document that contains all the characteristics that an office must have. In this case we refer to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-005-SSA3-2018. It was in 2020 when the updated version was presented that remains in force to this day. Within its content, it emphasizes that there are some mandatory medications that must be counted on.
First of all, it considers that the objective of the document is to standardize the elements that a patient care space must have so that everyone can offer a quality service. It does not matter if it belongs to public or private health because absolutely everyone must comply with everything that is stipulated.
The NOM mentions from the minimum equipment that you must have up to the necessary medicines and healing material. In addition, it is not only about the legal part, but everything is aimed at the benefit of patients. All aspects were designed to offer the best for them.
General use drugs that are mandatory for all practices
- Analgesics.
- Local anesthetic.
- Antidiarrheals.
- Antiemetics.
- Antihistamines.
- Antihypertensives.
- Anti-inflammatories.
- Antipyretics.
- Bronchodilators.
- Corticosteroids.
- oral electrolytes.
- coronary vasodilators.
The objective of this indication is that you can offer them to patients in case of an emergency within the office. There should always be a prior assessment and if you consider it pertinent you can administer one.
The safety and integrity of the patient is always the most important thing, but you must also abide by the instructions to avoid having legal problems. In the event that your office does not have the medications considered mandatory, you risk receiving a fine or even suffering the closure of your work space.
Changes in times of pandemic
In addition, there are other aspects that the law does not mention but you must add. We refer to the current context that is experienced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Hygiene is now more important than ever because it is not only about the safety of patients but also yours.
In this case, instruct the housekeeping staff to frequently clean the entire place. Because it is visited by sick people, it is necessary to maintain the space in the best possible way.
Similarly, the waiting room must have at least one bottle of antibacterial gel and disinfectant towels. It is a necessary courtesy for visitors but it also helps you and your collaborators to feel more secure.
In the end, the office is a very important element that you should never neglect. If you offer the necessary conditions, you will make the experience of your patients and their companions more pleasant and safe. If you add comprehensive and quality care to that, you will have a high probability that they will return to you when they need a health professional.