From Mr C. Hall, MRPharmS
SIR,-I have been following with interest the correspondence covering the sale of animal medicines in the United Kingdom. David Evans raised the subject (PJ, May 13, p725) and pointed to the difference between classification in Ireland and the UK. If there is a problem with manufacturers then the problem requires to be addressed. However, if one looks to Europe then the restriction imposed can potentially be even more onerous. Perhaps the Veterinary Medicines Directorate should be in the position to treat similar products on an equal footing and grant such products a uniform authorisation.
Andrew Cairns (PJ, May 20, p770) suggests there are 12,000 pharmacists on UK high streets who could quickly assimilate the additional training requirement to deal with pet products. One must wonder why so few have taken up the challenge. Why has the veterinary diploma not achieved a greater impact?
I would remind members that the original pharmacy and merchants list (PML) exemption was of a temporary nature to allow pharmacists time to take on the role of distributors of veterinary medicines as envisaged in the Medicines Act 1968. Although that exemption was extended twice, the response was minimal and the exemption was finally given permanent status to ensure the non-monopolistic distribution of veterinary medicines was maintained.
Brian Spencer (PJ, July 1, p13) talks about promises of "jam tomorrow"; perhaps in answer to Roger Cook of the National Office of Animal Health (PJ, July 22, p130), the Veterinary Pharmacists Group has now advised the NOAH which members have indeed risen to the challenge.
I have great respect for my friend Douglas Davidson having known him through my 35 years in veterinary distribution. However, I must query why, in his letter (PJ, August 5, p192), he accepts the argument is over a two- or three-tier system and then immediately puts forward a four-tier structure for consideration.
I am convinced that Roger Dawson (PJ, July 22, p130) has put the future distribution of Animal Health in a nutshell:
The professions and the VMD have promoted this distribution pattern since 1987.
The PML distributor has been trained either through the Society's veterinary diploma or through the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority training course and examination.
The AMTRA board consists of representatives of the veterinary industry, including the Society.
The inspection of registered premises is carried out by Society inspectors in the case of pharmacies and by Society animal medicine inspectors in the case of merchant premises.
In a period when the agricultural industry is endeavouring to survive some of its greatest challenges, I strongly recommend that interested members seriously consider the best way forward for veterinary medicine distribution. Let the lucrative market, high potential and good profit take second place or we may lose the entire market.
Colin Hall
President, Animal Health Distributors Association (UK) Ltd