Doctors and pharmacists disagree on dispensing

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association does not think the country is ready for a separation of duties in the prescribing and dispensing of medication. The Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society, however, differs.
MMA president Dr David Quek said the move would lead to a rise in the cost of healthcare as the sick would have to see a doctor first, then get the prescription filled by a pharmacist.
"It would be a must for patients to see the doctor first before buying any medication.
"It should not be the other way round. Pharmacists, unlike doctors, are not trained to deal with illnesses and pathologies. Some pharmacists actually behave like doctors when they are not empowered to do so," he said.
MPS president Datuk Nancy Ho disagreed saying the separation was a good idea because pharmacists were trained to educate the consumer on medicine.
"We are competent and keen to provide quality pharmaceutical care to the consumers. Separation will enable us to do what we do best in the interest of consumers."
She said pharmacists upheld the highest professional aspirations to provide quality pharmaceutical care.
"There is a strong shift towards active participation by consumers and pharmacists in the decision-making process. A benchmarking and standard operating procedures in community pharmacies will improve the public image and perception of pharmacists."
Federation of Malaysia Consumers' Associations president Datuk N. Marimuthu said through the separation, consumers could become more aware of their medical expenses such as consultation fees, medicine prices and also promote rational prescription of medicines, when pharmacists would examine the prescription as well.
On the other hand, there were also teething problems such as accessibility to pharmacies and the lack of pharmacists.
"The Health Ministry has done a pilot project on the separation but we have yet to know of its findings and the ministry's future plans. Once the initial problems have been ironed out, the separation could benefit consumers in the long run."
Elaborating on the current level of 7,000 registered pharmacists in the country, Ho said the ratio of pharmacists to population at 1 to 4,700 people was acceptable
"By September, the first batch of pharmacists who complete their compulsory government service will improve the ratio. About a quarter of them will be serving as community pharmacists. There are 16 institutions of higher learning producing almost 2,000 new pharmacists per year."
The 21/2 hour NSTLive session yesterday attracted 184 online readers who posted 156 questions and comments.