From Mr M. Goldin, MRPharmS
SIR,—Mr David Sharpe's argument about resale price maintenance with its comparison to the Premier Football League has given me a few ideas of my own.
First of all, I am going to get myself an agent. As a locum pharmacist I will then seek a permanent position within retail pharmacy demanding a huge signing-on fee. All the while I will be looking around for a change of employment. In the present climate, with such a shortage of pharmacists, I could then demand a large transfer fee.
I will get myself a pharmacy "strip" with my name and number on the back. When a customer or member of staff wants to address me they will be able to do so easily by just calling out my name or number which will, of course, be prominently displayed.
When a Society inspector calls and he disapproves of something I have done, he could always show me a yellow or red card. Come to think of it, employers and disgruntled customers could do the same.
I will also approach drug companies to sponsor me. They could have their name emblazoned across my chest with a logo and/or the name of a particular drug they will be promoting. On the sleeves there could be more logos and/or messages of advice to patients about how to take their medication such as: "Antibiotics - always complete the course", or "Antihistamines - do not drink or drive". The possibilities are endless.
I cannot wait for a drug company to make me an offer I cannot refuse.
Monty Goldin
London NW11