From Mr B. Zatland, MRPharmS
SIR,-I read with dismay, disappointment but not complete surprise of the failure of the Department of Health to agree a replacement mechanism for Category D in spite of the honest efforts of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PJ, September 2, p321).
If contractors are to avoid dispensing prescriptions for generics in short supply at a loss, they will now be bogged down with the problems associated with encouraging GPs to alter prescriptions. I trust that contractors will take the difficult step not to be financially disadvantaged by this development until a satisfactory agreement has been reached.
Unless a firm stand is taken by contractors now, on this matter, one can expect more contemptuous manoeuvres in the future to the eventual detriment of patient care.
Ben Zatland
Chairman, National Pharmaceutical Association