The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7269 p448
4 October 2003

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Letters to the Editor

Remuneration

Swings and swings

From Mr A. R. Korsner, MRPharmS

I read your report of the striking-off of a pharmacist for endorsing items such as Gaviscon ex 100ml when using 500ml packs (PJ, 20 September, p387). This item left me wondering about the one-sided nature of the contract.

The pharmacist’s actions were dishonest. But is claiming too much money from the Government any more dishonest than being tied to an agreement that allows the Government, legally, to pay them less than their cost for those same goods?

Discounts are taken by the National Health Service irrespective of whether they are received by pharmacists. Pharmacists supplying a Mirena coil purchased without a discount may be paid up to £9 less than their costs. Our negotiators tell us it is swings and roundabouts. To me it seems likes swings and swings. We need a method of payment that is fair and equitable to pharmacists so that the temptation to look for roundabouts is removed.

How did we ever allow our negotiators to put our profession into such a position?

Adrian Korsner
London N20

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