The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7487 p105
2 February 2008

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Society can become a members’ body again

Once divested of its regulatory function, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society will become a members’ organisation once again and should continue, with expanded professional activities, as the professional body for pharmacy, according to the Joint Pharmaceutical Analysis Group.

In its response to the Clarke Inquiry, the group says it would like to become a full part of the professional body and envisages that the body would act as an umbrella organisation for other existing organisations.

It sees publishing and providing meeting facilities as key functions that will attract members. Trade union functions, representing and providing a voice for the profession, practice support and providing strategic leadership are other important activities, it says.

JPAG also believes that the professional body should perform a research function to “advance scientific knowledge and cutting edge practice”. Membership should be open to pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, with associate membership for technicians.