LEGAL ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER PROTECTION IN THE USE OF DRUGS WITHOUT A DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION IN PHARMACIES IN MAJALENGKA REGENCY

Abstract

Pharmacies, as business actors in the drug distribution chain, play an important role in providing adequate education and information to consumers, in accordance with established regulations. However, the reality in the field often shows practices that are far from ideal. One manifestation is the availability of drugs in pharmacies that can be purchased with or without a doctor's prescription. The purpose of the research in this study is to analyze the legal study of the use of drugs without a doctor's prescription by pharmacies based on the Health Law and to examine and provide an ideal concept related to legal protection for patients who get drugs without a doctor's prescription at pharmacies. This study uses a normative legal approach with a descriptive analytical nature. Data were collected through literature studies to obtain secondary data from primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials. Field research was also conducted to obtain primary data that supports secondary data. Data analysis was conducted using qualitative analysis techniques. The results of the study show that the legal analysis of the provision of drugs without a doctor's prescription highlights the importance of strict regulations to protect public health in accordance with the Health Law. Prescription drugs may only be provided with a doctor's prescription to prevent side effects, drug resistance, and abuse. Pharmacies are responsible for complying with the rules, providing education, and providing clear information to patients. Regulations also protect patients who are harmed by pharmacy negligence, with the right to demand justice and compensation. Strict supervision, public education, and consistent enforcement of the law are needed to ensure safe drug management, in addition pharmacies are expected to improve services for public safety.