A pharmacy strategy conference was held by Barking and Havering local pharmaceutical committee on January 30, 2000
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society was actively discussing a pilot scheme for non-prescription emergency contraception with pharmacists, the pharmaceutical industry, the Department of Health and other professional bodies, Mr Roger Odd (head of professional and scientific support, Royal Pharmaceutical Society) told the meeting. A positive outcome was expected. The pilot was being conducted as a health action zone project in Salford and Trafford health authority (PJ, January 8, p44).
The Government was extremely concerned about Britain's high teenage pregnancy rate when compared with other European nations. Despite a target having been set in 1992 for a 50 per cent reduction by 2000, the rate had actually risen. A new sexual health strategy was about to be published by the Government, but the Society had already published one of its own in which extended access to emergency contraception was proposed.
Other topics covered at the meeting |