The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7200 p763-765
1 June 2002

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Letters to the Editor

Zimbabwe

Difficulties can be overcome

From Mrs K. M. MacRobert, FRPharmS

I would like to reply to an article in The Journal (27 April, p579) entitled "How is the crisis in Zimbabwe affecting pharmacy in the country" which I note is written by one who is currently not in this country. I would also refer readers to the article (PDF* 105K) "The challenge of developing paediatric pharmacy services in Zimbabwe" (PJ, 13 April 2002, pp501–03).

The essence of living here in this beautiful, warm and sunny country is the first phrase "the challenge". That is why I am here, and have been for the past 50 years. Yes, there are difficulties as a pharmacist, but in my opinion nothing that cannot be overcome. Political wrangling and decreased remuneration for community pharmacists still appears to worry the British profession.

The mushrooming of community pharmacies in Zimbabwe, especially in the towns, has now waned, which most of us had foreseen. In this sphere of the profession today the established pharmacies are coping well. In the pharmacy where I practise we manage to satisfy most prescriptions with the help of the medical profession, whose members often add "or equivalent". In Zimbabwe, the pharmacist is now accepted as having the knowledge to do this. Those doctors who do not add "or equivalent" are easily approachable about substitution. The patients also willingly accept changes, especially if the alternative is cheaper, and they have come to rely on the pharmacist's assistance in this matter.

Granted, shortages of medicines, foreign currency and staff are experienced but I try not to be too negative in my approach to living and working in Zimbabwe as does the writer of the first article. The Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe continues to play an important part in the profession and holds regular lectures and meetings including continuing education programmes.

Granted also, many have left and I have even encouraged some to see how the other half live and work and experience pharmacy in the first world. I trust some will return.

To quote our departed writer referring to those who choose to remain "the fear is that they too will soon find their way out ...". This is a pessimistic view. I can think of those who choose to remain and continue to enjoy a happy relationship with all in their profession. If they are leaving for an increased financial benefit I think they will find little advantage in moving. The cost of living ratio between income and expenses seems to be the same world wide. The lure of riches which seems to have enveloped the world has little compensation for the satisfaction I experience in Zimbabwe of serving the population to the best of my ability and resources.

K. M. MacRobert
Harare, Zimbabwe

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