The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has long believed that services for drug misusers need to be reviewed. In early 1998, it published a report on this area of the profession's activity, identifying problems that pharmacists faced in operating the present system and recommending change (PJ, March 21, 1998, p418). In particular, the report called for a more relevant legal framework that allowed pharmacists to cope with the growing number of drug misusers using pharmacy facilities. The Society has now found support for its proposals in the form of a report on the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 from the Police Foundation (see p499). The foundation's report urges the Government to give urgent and sympathetic consideration to the Society's views. Such support is to be welcomed.
There are other parts of the report that are welcome, in particular, a proposal relating to the supply of "paraphernalia". On the other hand, a proposal to create a national register of all private prescriptions for Controlled Drugs may not be thought practicable.
The foundation's report is long and will need careful study - particularly in respect of the recommendations on drug classification and penalties - before a fully considered view can be given.