From Mr D. R. Evans, MRPharmS
SIR,-I recently visited the Republic of Ireland to stay with an old university friend. I was astounded to see the range of veterinary medicines available within his pharmacy, all categorised as PS medicines (Pharmacist Supervised). Program and several other effective flea treatments were all available without prescription, yet they are all prescription only in the United Kingdom. Am I missing something? Training and education of pharmacists is essentially the same in both countries (I even have the same degree as my Irish colleague from the same UK university).
So why are Irish pharmacists allowed to sell these medicines without prescription, while I must always struggle (and often fail) to get a prescription from my veterinary surgeon to dispense the same preparation for my own pet dog. Is it because the manufacturers do not want to see pharmacists supply veterinary medicines in the UK, or is there some real concern over the licensing of these products in the UK by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate ?
I wonder if the Veterinary Pharmacists Group could look into the matter?
David Evans
Director, Vet-medic Pharmacy, Heanor, Derbyshire