A pharmacy checklist for Puja and the monsoon

In south Kolkata, the monsoon and Durga Puja overlap more often than not. Streets flood after a heavy shower, pandals draw crowds from early evening till dawn, and many local clinics keep shorter hours during the Puja days. A little preparation at home saves a late-night search for medicines.

Start with regular medicines. If anyone in the family takes daily medicines for blood pressure, sugar, thyroid or anything else, check before Panchami that you have at least two weeks’ supply. Our refill reminders go out five days before you run out, but during the Puja days traffic slows delivery, so order early.

For the monsoon, keep oral rehydration salts or electrolyte sachets, mosquito repellent cream and a few mosquito coils or a vaporiser refill, an antiseptic liquid and some waterproof dressings for small cuts from wading through water. A dry pair of socks and a towel in the bag also help more than people expect. Ask your pharmacist about anything else that suits your family.

For pandal-hopping, carry a small pouch with plasters for blisters, a pack of tissues, hand sanitiser, a bottle of water and any personal medicines, such as an inhaler, in the original strip with the label. Older family members should carry a card with their name, a contact number and the medicines they take. Our counter in Gariahat stays open from 8 am to 11 pm through the Puja, and deliveries continue, though they may take a little longer in the evenings near the big pandals.