From Dr H. Ghalamkari, MRPharmS, and Dr D. Jenkins, MRPharmS
SIR,—Jack Dee's derogatory comments about community pharmacy (Jack Dee's Happy Hour, BBC1, Sunday, April 9), although intended as a humorous commentary, will have doubtless caused a stir within the profession. Mr Dee referred to the promotion of the pharmacist as a first port of call for minor ailments, his punchline being, "I don't wish to seek medical advice from the chemist, someone who processes holiday snaps for a living".
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society will doubtless be able to defend the honour of the profession by quoting various pieces of market research which demonstrate a different public perception. Alternatively, we may offer the excuse that we are not remunerated adequately by the National Health Service for our health care services and need to rely on other commercial activities. However, we suggest that Jack Dee's comments should prompt a more constructive debate on community pharmacy's image.
Pharmacists claim to be primary health care professionals, seeing more patients per day than any of the other health professions, yet a significant proportion of community pharmacy business is concerned with products and services not related to health. We are not convinced that the market for commercial health care is saturated to such an extent that pharmacists need to hang on to the "traditional" retail activities of film processing, selling perfumes, cosmetics, gifts and so on. We propose that there is scope for further expanding the pharmacy based provision of services and products relating to needs such as child health and development, family planning, oral health, nutrition, sports injuries and performance enhancement, travel health, complementary therapies, disability aids, health screening and so on. But does this market exist and what is its potential size? Are pharmacists sufficiently motivated and proactive to exploit it? What training and everyday support do pharmacists need to deliver these services in a professional and evidence-based manner? Can pharmacies provide a more valued service than outlets such as health food stores? What impact can we make on the long-term health of the population by providing these services?
In summary, we suggest that the Society should take note of Jack Dee's pop at the profession. As well as taking a defensive stance, a comprehensive analysis of the primary health care market place should be commissioned alongside an assessment of the profession's image and how it could be improved.
Hooman Ghalamkari
Duncan Jenkins
Worcester