Company chemists reject emphasis in APPG report
Pressure from the All-Party Pharmacy Group for the community pharmacy sector to focus on health, rather than retailing, has been rejected by the Company Chemists' Association.
In a written response to the APPG’s recent report on the future
of community pharmacy (PJ, 30 June, p757 and p763) the association said
that CCA member companies would reject any policy that allowed the Government
to dictate how they develop their businesses.
“Government can influence the direction of travel of community
pharmacy very effectively by creating the right incentive framework — the
nationally commissioned contract is clearly the most powerful tool,” it
said.
“However, consumer preferences are also important and the consumer
will always be central to our members’ decision making.”
Commenting on the perceived tension between the professional and commercial
roles in community pharmacy, the response says that the CCA is perplexed
by the report’s focus on this as a barrier. It points out that
there is general acceptance that the private sector will play an increasing
role in the provision of primary health care and that family doctors
are highly motivated by financial incentives.
“While community pharmacy is currently the primary care contractor
profession with the most diverse range of business models, general practice
is changing
rapidly, with private sector providers entering the market. … Community
pharmacy is no longer the exception to the rule.”
However, the CCA agrees with the APPG that community pharmacy needs to
be developed through nationally recognised advanced services.
“[The CCA] believes that the new pharmacy contract was predicated
on a shared understanding between NHS employers, Department of Health
and
contractors, represented by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee,
that advanced services would be the primary mechanism used to develop
pharmacy services and the pharmacy contract,” it said.
PSNC view Following
its July 2007 meeting, the PSNC said in a statement:
“The
committee was pleased that the [APPG] proposals follow the PSNC’s current
policies and priority service development areas. Work will be undertaken to explore
further recommendations that have not been considered; these include the recommendations
about local level representation and the proposed QOF approach. PSNC will develop
proposals for how quality might be rewarded.” |
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