I am working as a doctor in a private clinic in Oman for last one year. Before Oman, I worked in Maldives for 2 years and before that in my own country, Bangladesh. But I didn't see any such use of injections and intravenous fluids in my short work life as doctor.
"Mafi Ibra, Mafi Faida" (means, no injections, no use of treatment) is the slogan of patients , mostly local Omani patients. Patients of all ages will come to clinic and ask for injections. Mild pain? Give injection pain killer. Mild weakness or giddiness or dizziness? Give injection and intravenous fluid. Any sorts of infections? Give antibiotics injections. Fever? Give paracetamol injection. If you hesitate to give , they will consider you as bad doctor!
Today one child of 5 years of age came with high fever , cold and cough. I almost finished writing oral medications along with one suppository then suddenly father of the kid asked for intravenous fluid. Why? He was thinking child was weak. A child with 39 degree centigrade temperature will definitely feel weakness or be toxic or lethargic but those are not indication of fluid ,at least not initially! But who would convince the father!!
Sometimes, some patients will only come for injections. They won't take any oral medications afterwards. And this type of patient is of great challenge for doctor because if patient is not cured with one shot, he or she will be labelled as inefficient doctor!
On the other hand, it is a great business opportunity for clinic owners. Profits are more from injections and fluids then tablets.
What is the scenario in your place? Are you fond of injections or intravenous fluids?
(N.B: If there is actual indications for injections and intravenous fluid, we must go for these)
(image source: common.wikimedia)