From M. G. J. Cooper, MRPharmS
SIR,-The practice of the major pharmacy contractors, ie, Boots, Lloyds, Moss, and Superdrug in supplying out-of-patent "ethicals" when generics are prescribed on EC10s is to be commended as it ensures that patients receive a familiar item wherever it is dispensed throughout the United Kingdom. However, private pharmacy contractors are unable to match this as the prices paid for generic items are well below the "ethical" price. This differential should be investigated by the Government and legislation introduced to allow private pharmacy contractors to purchase at the same price as the multiples, as is being proposed for the motor trade where it will be possible for a private individual to purchase a car at the same discounted price as the car fleet companies.
If the drug companies reduced their prices dramatically when drugs lost their patent they would retain a 100 per cent share of the market and the above situation would never have arisen.
M. G. J. Cooper
Manningtree, Essex