The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7159 p151-153
4 August 2001

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The Profession

Council must state intentions

From Mr D. M. Oates, MRPharmS

Lately there has emerged a threat that I, who registered in 1955, and others without degree qualifications may be struck off the register because we chose on retirement not to practise and are therefore classed as professionally incompetent. Presumably we may not use the title of MRPharmS. What an insult!

Having experienced a full life as a pregraduate apprentice (I left school at 16), student, locum, proprietor, manager, hospital pharmacist and National Service army sergeant-dispenser, I see no justice in cancelling a qualification or membership which was obtained through hard work, study and anxiety during the austere post-war period, of whose privations the “bright young things” of today seem completely ignorant.

Pharmacists in positions similar to myself deserve respect as of right. Why should we be expected to “cram” pettifogging details of no further practical use and not offering any intellectual satisfaction? A coded entry, say “NP”, in the register would be self-explanatory. The Council should state clearly its intentions in this matter instead of allowing a progression by stealth towards a fait accompli — the creation of a professionally and politically correct herd of squeaky clean, white-coated clockwork dolls.

David Oates
London E11

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