The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7183 p137-140
2 February 2002

This page
Reprint
Photocopy

Letters are available in a single PDF* file (65K)

  Prescribing
  Hospital pharmacy
  Community pharmacy
  Locums
  Dose recommendations
  Original pack dispensing
  The Society
  Statutory Committee

Letters to the Editor

Prescribing

Review service needs proper remuneration

From Miss Z. Hameer, MRPharmS

I read with interest Jonathan Mason's letter (PJ, 19 January, p55) expressing concern at how a recent review of one of his general practice's prescribing analysis and cost data highlighted an area of financial waste.

The heart of the problem obviously lies with the concept of encouraging generic prescribing and the financial incentives offered to increase generic prescribing.

The community pharmacists in his local area were encouraged to help the GPs ensure that the right product was prescribed, but nowhere does Mr Mason explain the financial remuneration offered to the local pharmacists for helping the primary care group contain its prescribing costs.

This is a classic example of good housekeeping. Pharmacists can be extremely helpful in containing prescribing costs but it is a service that needs remuneration. Expecting pharmacists to do this as a matter of goodwill is ridiculous, especially if GPs and their practices are financially recompensed as a result.

Z. Hameer
London SW6

Back to Top

Next Topic (Hospital Pharmacy)
Send your letter to The Editor