E-DRUG: Ethical Rules, Changes and Lawyer's Questions (cont)
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E-Druggers,
Andy Gray's comments on the changes in SA's ethical rules are of value
in that the wording perhaps needs revisiting for disciplinary measures to be
successful when warranted.
Aspirational aspects in practice:-
Whilst these are embedded in the "Good Pharmacy Practice Guidelines" of
the SA Pharmacy Council, they are also a very part of the ethical rules
in that all Pharmacists become fully aware of what is deemed correct in
practice and aspire to ensure this. Good aspirations just packed into
guidelines can remain unpacked if not enforced.
SA is faced with the problem of not having sufficiently trained support
staff, with problems common to Margareth Magagula in Swaziland (the
dispensing doctor) and far too many retail pharmacies in areas where
there is little or no need and the reverse where there is great need but
no service. The last fact is more prevalent than the others.
Should the situation remain as is or changes be effected for the future?
All the above are being addressed. What is needed is a phased in
approach in many of these areas. The development of support personnel
with possibly some national funding for training and a time frame in
which the legalities become binding could ensure progress in the
direction of pharmaceutical care. As this affects 80% of the population
in the country, it is being given some priority. The new educational
processes to enable the process i.e. outcome based education could make
a valuable difference to the profession.
For pharmacist to fail in obligatory functions can create problems
apparent in the following extract from mail I received from a lawyer in
South Africa:-.