The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7259 p117
26 July 2003

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  New contract
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Letters to the Editor

New contract

Back to basics

From Mr I. C. Strachan, MRPharmS

From last week's announcement of a new vision for pharmacy and new contract negotiations has finally emerged a menu of services we can all begin to comprehend (PJ, 19 July, p73). I give a few words of caution, however, not to undermine the basic or minimum dispensing service as phrased by our politicians. It is after all the one activity which patients have valued and understand. Basic dispensing was pivotal to mobilising through the National Pharmaceutical Association's successful petition campaign. The illustration of this national endorsement by the public at large diffused the wrath from the Department of Trade and Industry and Treasury to introduce total deregulation.

Offering a safe, efficient dispensing service should not be sacrificed at the expense of a vision without additional resources.

Ian Strachan
Board Member
National Pharmaceutical Association

Solid foundations?

From Mr A. G. W. Paul, MRPharmS

I trust the choice of front cover image (PJ, July 19) does not convey a hidden message, and that the tiers of the pharmacy contract are being built on a more solid foundation!

Alan Paul
Winchester, Hampshire

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