The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7169 p506-509
13 October 2001

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Community pharmacy (2 letters)

Life is not at all glorified

From Mr B. P. Patel, MRPharmS

I must challenge Ajay Patel’s view (PJ, 29 September, p428) that community pharmacists can only class themselves as glorified shopkeepers. Could he please enlighten me and explain what is so glorified about his present job?

Is it possibly the long hours that he is on his feet, the lack of breaks, the lack of respect and common decency regularly shown to us by the public and our employers alike or the generous salary that he is rewarded with in recognition of his knowledge and experience?

When I finish work, I feel like I have just completed a jail sentence. I assure you that I do not even feel slightly glorified.

Brijesh Patel
Kingston upon Thames, Surrey

Better in Florida

From Mr D. Parmar, MRPharmS

I am currently registered as a pharmacist with the Florida Board of Pharmacy. When I began my training as a pharmacist intern, with no responsibility for the final check, I was awarded a salary comparable to what a locum in Britain is paid.

As a pharmacist working for a large multinational company I have been rewarded with not just a basic 36-hour week but with a salary structure that is more in line with what I consider is a realistic level of pay for a pharmacist. Not many pharmacists in the United States will work for less than $40 per hour (approximately £29) plus bonuses.

Current studies show that pharmacists are the second most respected professionals in the US. I wonder where pharmacists are on the list compiled in the UK? We need to make many changes if we are to progress. We are not regarded as glorified shopkeepers in the US and we maintain our credibility with the public.

One of the hardest decisions I had to make was to leave the UK and pursue my career in another country. The political climate in the profession was not making any headway, especially for remuneration for which we, as pharmacists, are severely underpaid.

But my decision was more for professional reasons. I am able to devote a lot of time to continuing education in Florida (for which 30 hours per two years is compulsory) and I enjoy my job.

If anyone in the UK is willing to pay the same salary for the same hours as I am doing in Florida, I would have no hesitation in returning and proceeding with my duties as a respected pharmacist in the United Kingdom.

Dan Parmar
Fort Myers, Florida

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