Since it always goes with pain killers, antibiotics and multivitamins, one can understand why these sales men are happy. Second on the list was flu/influenza, cold, cough mixtures/syrups also accompanied with other drugs. This is to be expected because of the harmattan, cold dry windy and dusty weather. Last but not the least was protectors, also known as condoms.

Although there have been choruses of “there’s no money, there’s no money” being sang by some traders and buyers which has resulted in apathy and a lot of window shopping, no such complaints were heard from the pharmaceutical shops. In fact, patients were seen gladly buying their prescription without even asking for discounts or reduction. This is surprising. According to one trader, the low sales are normal since most people do not celebrate Christmas as much as it is done down south.

She further explained that Tamale rather celebrates Eid’l Fetir and the Yam Festival which are all celebrated just around Christmas time. So where did the money come from then? Meanwhile, in an interview with Mr. Appiah, owner of OAK Pharmacy, he said that it’s not true that pharmaceutical shops pray for people to fall sick so they can also eat.

Considering the fact that malaria and cold are preventable diseases, it can be said that we by our lifestyles are making the pharmaceutical shop richer and richer.