Pharmacists Active in Supporting Consumer Care
19 October 2011
The National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), Mr Grant Kardachi, said today that “the professional role of the pharmacist is critical to any patient support program.
“PSA prefers an approach where a pharmacist is supported in providing professional advice to the consumer in the pharmacy on issues around adherence, correct use and the benefits and adverse effects of medication, he said.
Unfortunately PSA doesn’t have access to full details of the arrangement between the Pharmacy Guild and Pfizer but from what is publically known PSA is concerned that a drug company appears to be usurping the role of the pharmacist in providing professional support, advice and ongoing monitoring of the consumer. PSA does not and cannot support this kind of arrangement.
PSA reiterates its strong support for pharmacists providing a professional service to consumers. PSA is the peak professional organisation representing pharmacists across all sectors and in all locations across Australia. PSA is the custodian of pharmacists’ Professional Practice Standards and Competency Standards and has recently launched a new Code of Ethics for the profession.
“PSA reminds all pharmacists to be cogniscent of their obligations when dispensing medication. A Ministerial Determination is in place under the National Health Act that requires pharmacists to comply with PSA’s Code of Professional Conduct (now Code of Ethics), its Professional Practice Standards and Competency Standards when dispensing prescriptions. This is not a matter to be taken lightly,” said Mr Kardachi.
Pharmacists do and must act professionally in the best interests of consumers” said Mr Kardachi.
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