Pharmacists to help patients protect health during fasting

Pharmacists are getting special training to help Muslim patients during Ramadan. And health experts fear seriously ill Muslims may miss vital hospital appointments during the holy month.

The Co-operative Pharmacy is training staff in 79 of its outlets to give advice to patients who want to change the amount of medication they take while fasting. Shops in Hanwell, Walthamstow, Enfield and Highgate are taking part in the scheme.

Barts and the London NHS Trust have also issued a plea to Muslims to look after their health and attend scheduled medical appointments. Lead cancer nurse Nuala Close said that she has seen a spike in missed appointments during Ramadan.

She said: "Some of our Muslim patients may not realise the importance of attending their appointment, particularly those who have been referred to us from their GP with a suspected cancer diagnosis.

"Patients need to understand that they are taking an unnecessary risk with their health if they miss their appointment, as to wait until the end of Ramadan could have serious consequences."

The Muslim Council of Great Britain said: "We urge all fellow Muslim brothers and sisters not to make their own decisions to alter doses or timings of medications without the guidance from their doctors or pharmacists."

The Trust's Muslim chaplain Jusna Begum said: "It is essential Muslim patients follow strict medication guidance in the knowledge that they are not breaking their religious beliefs. I ask all Muslims to make their health a priority and attend appointments."