From Mr E. B. Holden, MRPharmS
SIR,—I note that Rosemary Baker asks for a more detailed explanation of the legality of the supply of emergency hormonal contraceptives under a group proposal (PJ, February 12, p258). I note also the reply from Susan Sharpe purporting to give this detailed explanation of the relevant ruling of the Medicines Act. Is Mrs Baker any more certain and confident that she was a few weeks ago?
We are informed that the Society "takes the view . . .". There may be another view. We are also informed that pharmacists working under the protocol "can fall" within the description of a clinic as defined in the Medicines Act. On the other hand they may not.
It could be held that, with the supply of hormonal contraceptives under a group protocol, not only is the jury still out, it has yet to be selected and sworn in. They can then hear all the evidence, debate it, make a decision and then finally give their verdict.
As with the proposed supply of emergency hormonal contraceptives through community pharmacies, for those of us who will not comply, the issues are yet to be resolved.
Barry Holden
Clitheroe, Lancashire