[e-drug] Non prescription sale of antibiotics (5) (Malawi)

e-drug
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E-DRUG: Non prescription sale of antibiotics (5) (Malawi)
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I also find myself concerned about the present situation in Malawi, both
regarding antibiotic sale and the viability of Community Pharmacies. They
receive very few prescriptions. We are at a crucial stage in the
development of Pharmacy in Malawi with first graduates from the Department
of Pharmacy at the University College of Medicine due in 2009. It will be a
tragedy if, in order to enjoy fulfilling practice, they become part of the
brain-drain.

I am proposing we ask a final year student to investigate the problem, as
a project. If anyone has suggestions as to appropriate investigatory tools
or references, to get things started, I would be pleased to hear from
them.

Michael I. Berry Ph.D, B.Pharm, M.R.Pharm.S.,
Associate Professor and Head of Department
Department of Pharmacy,
College of Medicine,
University of Malawi
P.O.Box 360
BLANTYRE 3
Malawi
Cell : 08117541
Phone : +265 (0)1 871 911 or 877 245
FAX : +265 (0)1 874 700
Web : www.medcol.mw
email : mberry@medcol.mw

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E-DRUG: Non prescription sale of antibiotics (8) (Malawi)
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Dear Dr. Berry

The idea of assigning a student to do an investigation is quite a noble
idea. I will be very interested to see the outcome as I am also worried
about the viability of community/retail pharmacy in Malawi. I think I will
be very willing to help in the development of the investigatory tools for
the project. I think we need to protect our profession and develop it
especially for the sake of first graduates in Malawi.

The problem here is two-pronged, ie doctors dispense unlimitedly and if
pharmacists do not get prescriptions, they end up doing unethical
prescribing. If the regulatory body is to enforce the law, they have to
clamp down on both ends; otherwise the retail pharmacist is going to suffer.

Langton Mukura (B. Pharm Hons, mps)
Pharmaceutical Services Manager
Christian Health Association of Malawi
P.O. Box 30378
Lilongwe 3
Malawi
Phone: +265-1-775 180
Mobile: +265-9-745 015
Email: lmukura@cham.org.mw
           langtonmk@yahoo.co.uk