The independent review group set up to examine dispensing by veterinary surgeons (PJ, August 12, p220) is looking for pharmacists' views on the veterinary profession's virtual monopoly in the dispensing of prescription-only medicines (POMs).
In a letter circulated to interested organisations on August 11, the group says that it would like to hear the views of the pharmaceutical profession on "the extent to which veterinary POMs are already, or could be, made available from their premises and the potential impact this could have on price/availability of such products".
Veterinarians are asked for their views on "the pricing structures currently used by them to provide services to their clients for both farm and companion animals and the perceived benefits of these systems". The group is also seeking the views of the farming community and owners of companion animals.
A second issue to be examined by the review group is whether some veterinary medicinal products currently classified as POMs could be made more widely available. It asks for views on any veterinary product, or any therapeutic category of product, for which control could be relaxed without infringing the constraints set out in European Union legislation.
Comments are sought by October 6, and the review group is to make its report to Minister by March 31, 2001.
Comments and inquiries should be addressed to Independent Review of Dispensing by Veterinary Surgeons, c/o Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3LS (tel 01932 3356911; fax 01932 336618; e-mail ird@vmd.maff.gov.uk).
BVA code of practice Commenting on a new edition of the British Veterinary Association's code of practice on medicines, the Veterinary Record of August 12 draws attention to the need for veterinarians to store products safely and correctly, to dispense them in appropriate and properly labelled containers, and to give advice to owners on administration.