-----Original Message-----
From: James Earl Casey [mailto:jcasey@lynnspharmacy.com]
Sent: Friday, 18 February 2000 5:37
To: PharmCare
Subject: Re: Regulation of online Pharmacies
James is correct. That is exactly why Pharmaceutical Care must be
marketed realistically. It does not matter initially what private or
over-the-counter fee we charge (though it matters very much what any
funds/funders pay - see below!!). What matters is that we establish our
professional right to deal with patients directly (and, of course, by
referral from other health professionals). Moreover by this we also
establish and uphold every patient's human right to consult a properly
qualified pharmaceutical professional at any time they wish to do so. It
must be publicly upheld that they should do so, whether their medical or
other health adviser thinks it is necessary or not, and irrespective of
whether the Pharmacist they are consulting was or was not the original
supplier/dispenser of the medications the patient has/takes.
What we have to see and act upon is that our profession has the
right in itself to practice as is required by good medicine (ie best outcome
with best managed risks). We need to see that other health professions
already do respect us, but are not awake, so our Societies/Boards, etc have
a duty to promote this. Vote on to the Councils/Executives etc the right
people! If we press the issue, other professions will increasingly respect
the habit of us dealing with patients as primary practioners (not as some
second line "clinical support"!!). But we must have requisite quality, and
we MUST see to it that we regulate it appropriately. Self regulating it is
best, but if we must be compelled like stupid and greedy children, well
then, yes, we may have to have our childishness disciplined by curtailing
the freedoms that should belong to our maturity.
As to right fees, the time taken at a proper hourly rate (for our
time and skill and the many different tools we utilise), plus a margin, is
the obvious formula. I take it that when we have the 'right' people leading
our professional bodies they will not only promote good practise but will
energetically demand, or at least support the demand, for right recognition
(including through right payments). Funds must pay appropriately. If we as
individuals, to kick start the market must sacrifice higher prices, so be
it. Capital is required, and good will can be built. If no external capital
is available, then our labour must substitute for a time with low returns.
Publicly we must demand right fee levels from funds from the start. But
privately, we may have to create the market/demand, and according to
ordinary economics this may well determine that only small fees for PC
planning and practice can be charged at the beginning.
Where are our leading marketeers? Does anybody treat our profession
in these aspects as a serious marketing proposition? Is there no money to be
made? If there is not, it is by definition a non-market, so stop bleating
about money and give the service anyway as an added value to your current
competitive services. But if there is a market, the question is where and
how will it be seriously assessed and appropriate promotion designed and
implemented?
Let's hear some views on plans for progress in this forum. If we
don't take it forward, who will? The other great purpose of PharmCare as a
forum would be to share knowledge, and cross-fertilise our ideas - of which
I don't think I see enough happening. Have we already fallen victim to
commercial secrecy, and got stuck into PC product differentiation? Have we
already fallen victim to counter-productive competition? Are we already
introvertedly protective about the various ways we're practising our
competitive PC business (sorry - 'profession')?
Ray Skinner. Perth, WA.
JAMES EARL CASEY, wrote:
Pharmacist will not unite to fight the real issue...only profession
that give it services away !
Can you imagine a lawyer or doctor give free service !!
|