MODEL RELEASED. Consultation. A general practice doctor writes a prescription for a male patient. The doctor (at right) is writing the prescription by hand while the patient (at left) waits. On the wall behind the patient's head (upper left) is a sphygmomanometer used for measuring blood pressure. The computer (at centre) can be used to store the patient's medical records. Prescriptions are instructions to pharmacists to dispense a particular drug in a specific dose. Prescription drugs are available only on the authorisation of a doctor as they may be dangerous or addictive.