| · Workforce
· The Society (2)
· Statutory Committee (3)
· Council election
· Overseas pharmacists
· The profession (2)
Letters to the Editor
|
Overseas pharmacists
British registration has no relevance to overseas practice
From Mr Y. Cass, FRPharmS
As the second most senior pharmacist in Israel and the most senior with
British registration, I wish to comment on your editorial (PJ, 5 February,
p134) and the Broad spectrum article in the same issue (p144).
Nearly all of the GB-registered pharmacists working in Israel as licensed
Israeli pharmacists consulted me before filling in their Royal Pharmaceutical
Society retention fee for 2005. Without hesitation I told them to register
as non-practising members.
There is no question in my mind that pharmaceutical activities undertaken
in Israel by pharmacists who are legally licensed to practise here has
no relevance on their registration with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
One can practise as a pharmacist in this country with or without membership
of the Society and, more importantly, membership of the Society is not
a prerequisite to practise pharmacy here nor does it allow one to do
so in itself.
However, it is quite clear that should I wish to practise pharmacy in
Britain then I have to fulfil all the conditions for that laid down by
the Society.
Yaakov Cass
Regional Pharmacist
Israel Ministry of Health
Jerusalem, Israel
| |
ANN LEWIS, Secretary and Registrar, Royal Pharmaceutical Society,
replies:
There are relatively few pharmacists on our Register in Israel
but currently
about half have registered as practising pharmacists. It is most unfortunate
that a senior pharmacist appears to have given incorrect advice to
his colleagues. If a pharmacist resident and working overseas chooses
to
register with the Society, the registration and continuing professional
development
requirements apply. They are not affected by the geographical location
of the pharmacist or the local regulatory arrangements. This gives
them a right to practise in Great Britain (and certain other locations)
and
a recognised status. With rights come responsibilities and accountabilities.
The requirements for practice in Israel are a matter for the competent
authority in Israel. However, those pharmacists who choose to maintain
their right to practise in Great Britain may exercise that right at
any time and must comply with the requirements for practice of the
Society, which is the competent authority in Great Britain. Colleagues
who have
acted on Mr Cass’s advice and who are, in fact, practising are
strongly advised to review their position. |
|
The
Pharmaceutical Journal