PHARMACY PLAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23354, 20 November 1937, Page 14

PHARMACY PLAN

REORGANISATION OF INDUSIKY STABILITY AND EFFICIENCY PROPOSALS DETAILED SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, Nov. 19. Detailed proposals for the reorganisation of the pharmacy industry have been completed by the Bureau of Industry and approved by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr D. G, Sullivan). The plan which provides for the establishment of a committee of seven members and the appointment of a Director of Pharmacy to carry out its provisions, was outlined this evening by the Minister, who stated that copies of it had been forwarded to the principals of more than 600 pharmacies throughout the Dominion together with voting papers on which they would be asked to make their opinions before the middle of next month. It had been recognised for some time, Mr Suliivan said, that greater stability and efficiency could well be introduced into the oharmacy industry, and accordingly he had referred the matter to the Bureau -T Industry for the preparation of an industrial plan. _ The bureau met with extreme difficulty in its efforts to solve the problems involved, but he had no hesitation in saying that the plan finally prepared would bring a notable advance in the organisation of the industry. Basic Points of Plan The basic points of the plan were outlined by the Minister as follows: Ensuring the dispensing of standard quality drugs at reasonable prices by or under the immediate supervision of qualified pharmacists. Retaining individual ownership and the operation of company chain pharmacies. , The exclusion of wholesale druggists, manufacturing chemists, mdentors, and overseas representatives whose industries may be the subject of separate plans. •‘The plan does not propose to introduce at the present stage an official drug tariff and standard dispensing fee and to require their compulsory observance,’’ Mr Sullivan said. “ but it is recognised that when practicable those steps should be taken.” Outlining the detailed proposals, the Minister said it was suggested that the present licensing system should continue, and that licences should be granted only to those persons and firms whose principal business is that of pharmacy. It was proposed to consider applications for licences from chain company pharmacies on their merits, but the extension of chain company pharmacies would be so limited as to preserve the existence of the individual pharmacy to the degree necessary to give an adequate national health service. Constitution of Controlling Bodies A further proposal, the Minister said, was to extend the disciplinary powers of the Pharmacy Board in matters affecting ethical and professional conduct, together with the reconstitution of the board to include two representatives of employee members of the Pharmaceutical Society and also a member qualified in law. The Pharmacy Plan Industrial Committee would comprise three members nominated Py the Government, two nominated by the Pharmacy Board, and one each by the United Friendly Societies’ dispensaries and the employees. All members other than those nominated by the Government would be members of the Pharmaceutical Society. ‘‘The Director of Pharmacy, who with the committee will be responsible for the carrying out of the plan, is to be appointed, subject to the approval of the Bureau of Industry," the Minister said. “ The administration expenses and development of any necessary compensation fund will be defrayed by the collection of levies from retail chemists, struck on the broad basis of the annual turnover.” Functions of Committee The Minister said that the functions of the committee would be: — To make recommendations to the bureau on the issue and transfer of licences. To investigate and formulate methods of improved buying. To introduce and supervise a uniform system of prescription and charges. To organise and administer the pharmaceutical section of the proposed National Health Insurance scheme. To act in association with the New Zealand Standards Institute. To make a survey and classification of pharmacies. To arrange amalgamations and transfers. To make recommendations to the bureau for the administration of the compensation fund. To ensure an adequate supply of apprentices and their training. To co-ordinate merchandising methods and modernise pharmacies. To arrange for standard packing and the simplification of stocks. To promote goodwill advertising. To make recommendations for the control of quackery. “Under the plan the retail sale of all substances included in the British Pharmacopoeia or British Pharmaceutical Codex will be confined to pharmacists, although certain goods set out in the plan will be excepted,’ the Minister continued. “It is also proposed that the committee should recommend to the Minister of Health the registration of all formulae of proprietary medicines and the prevention of the issue of hawkers’ licences, unless the persons concerned arc associated with, or supported by, a substantial firm." Approval Sought The Minister said that a combine meeting was held last Tuesday, when members of the Bureau of industry met representatives of the various interests which had previously been con suited individually. Various minepoints of the plan were discussed, and it was considered that the plan, if approved by the industry, would be of immeasurable benefit not only to the profession generally but also to individual chemists. Copies of the plan had been forwarded to the principals of all the 600 pharmacies in the Dominion, and members of the Bureau and Pharmacy Board would visit the main centres during the next fortnight to discuss the plan with those engaged in the industry. Voting papers had been forwarded to all pharmacies and voting on the plan was to be completed by December 11. The result of the vole would be made known shortly after that date. “I am confident that the plan contains so many benefits.” the Minister said, “that it will be readily acceptable to the retail pharmacists of the country. The constitution of the committee to administer the plan will give the industry four representatives and the Government three. 1 fee) su e that such a committee will be able 'o administer the plan in a manner which will mark a new era in the organisation of the industry, the efficient conduct of which means so much to t’ e health and general welfare of the entire community.