From Dr B. P. Curwain, MRPharmS
SIR,—How very disturbing to read about the All-Party Pharmacy Group by Members of Parliament (PJ, December 11, p931). I refer, of course, to the quote from the chairman, Dr Stoate, that "because [pharmacists] already exist, using them properly does not actually cost anything".
It is unimaginable that this would be said of, for example, physicians, surgeons, lawyers or accountants. How does the impression come about that pharmacists are so keen to develop new ways of working for nothing?
In your leader in the same issue you suggest that supply (of medicines) is history. You have a point, but medicines will have to be supplied and whoever does it will require payment. It is, therefore, crucial to negotiate proper remuneration for new pharmaceutical roles and services at the same time as they are developed.
Brian Curwain
Christchurch, Dorset