From Mr J. G. Iles, FRPharmS
SIR,—In the controversy over allowing emergency hormonal contraception to be a pharmacy medicine, it is inevitable that some will say (indeed already have said) that pharmacists are only in it for the money. We should do everything we can to dispel this idea and to emphasise the professional nature of the transaction. In this respect the guidelines (PJ, December 16, p890), particularly the advice that the pharmacist should be personally involved from an early stage, will be helpful.
What is not helpful is the proposed retail price, set by the manufacturers, of £19.99. This is a catchpenny price, suitable for marketing trade goods. It is not a professional price. My private doctor does not send me a bill for £89.95, nor my accountant one for £399.50. In the past "professional"prices were indicated by charging in guineas. I do not suggest that we resurrect the guinea, but the price for a professional service should be a whole number of pounds. To charge £19.99 is a clear indication that the money is the most important aspect of the transaction.
John G. Iles London N5