The issue of whether doctors should only examine and prescribe, while medication should only be dispensed by pharmacist is not new. It has cropped up time and again, but the status quo remains, where doctors continue to dispense as well.

The matter should be left to the consumer, who is the patient. Would he prefer a one-stop centre, or go looking for a pharmacy after consultation? The question arises whether 24 hour clinics will be served by 24 hour pharmacies.

There are clinics in small one-street towns, miles from the nearest pharmacy. Would a pharmacist be willing to open shop in such places?

There are many points to be considered, not least of which is whether the consumer would end up paying more, including transportation to the nearest pharmacy. It is imperative that the patient shouldn’t be inconvenienced in any way.

Dato Dr. S. Vijayaratnam,
Vice President,
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia.