From Mr B. McRoberts, MRPharmS
SIR,-A great deal of apprehension has been expressed of late about the future of the practice of pharmacy, especially about the "professional status" of the pharmacist, particularly in dealing with government departments.
It must be admitted that too many of us qualified as pharmacists primarily because the practice of pharmacy was seen as a "protected business" which would provide a good living in congenial surroundings. Professional status was, of course, a consideration but of secondary importance.
At the same time one can understand the angst and frustration of others who long for recognition as a true professional, particularly young people who, after four years' of hard grind at university and the imposition of a year's "apprenticeship", find themselves condemned to chain store branch management or confined to one small corner of a supermarket under the supervision of an unqualified store manager whose main concerns are turnover, costs and profits.
As for the more experienced majority, if "professional status" is the "holy grail" they should avoid any use of the word "shop". "Pharmacy" is a fine title to describe the premises. They should stop running a superior looking market stall or mini-superstore, cease all retail trade in non-pharmaceuticals such as tights, cosmetics, toiletries, perfumes and "chemists' sundries" and instead offer the fullest possible range of professional services, maintain a consulting room and charge professional fees for consultations, never recommend proprietary medicines if a generic alternative is available, stop competing with one another except on quality of service and adhere to a strict code of ethics. They should wear a well tailored suit and present a professional appearance (white overalls are only for assistant staff). They should remember that they are "consultants" and leave trade to the tradesmen. Deserve respect and one will receive respect. If all this appears to some to be "Utopian" they should get out of community pharmacy before it is too late.
Basil McRoberts
London NW