| · Homoeopathy (5)
· Dermatology
· Spacer devices
· The profession
· Best use of medicines
· Pharmacists in the media
· Reciprocity
· Return to practice
· The Society (4)
Letters to the Editor
|
Reciprocity
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia hopes that reason will prevail
From Mr B. Grogan
As national president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, I have
been disappointed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain’s
decision to end reciprocal registration arrangements and impose an onerous
adjudication process on Australian pharmacy graduates. The current system
has served both countries well for many, many years.
I understand the decision to change reciprocity arrangements derives from
EU requirements, but I cannot understand why such an extraordinary adjudication
process is deemed necessary or even beneficial.
The undergraduate courses at all of Australia’s pharmacy schools
are mapped to the PSA’s “Competency standards for pharmacists
in Australia 2003”. Australia and the PSA are justifiably proud of
the quality of our graduates. Is there evidence of incompetence from the
many Australian pharmacists who have been employed in the UK over recent
years? Has the UK health system changed so dramatically that our pharmacists
would have difficulty applying their skills?
I have heard that several UK pharmacy schools have plans to set up bridging
courses for Australians to meet the anticipated new requirements (which
involve an additional two years of study and supervision at a cost of up
to £8,500). I would suggest to these institutions that they examine
their plans carefully because our feedback indicates that, but for some
rare exceptions, Australian graduates will not be interested in enrolling.
The working holiday has long been a popular way for pharmacists and, indeed,
Australians of all professions to experience the UK. I do not believe this
practice will cease, but that Australian pharmacists will simply seek employment
in the bars and restaurants of the UK rather than the dispensaries of your
hospitals and high-street pharmacies. Unfortunately, the PSA is no longer
in the position to promote the option of working in the UK health system
to our members.
Australia has adopted a reasonable and rational approach for pharmacists
who qualify overseas to enter the health workforce in this country. This
has led to a net gain of pharmacists here, many of whom came to us from
the British Isles.
The PSA would urge the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to continue to liaise
with Australian registering authorities to find a more rational solution
to the issue. It is the PSA’s hope that reason will prevail.
Brian Grogan
National President
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal