In News

Follow this topic

Bookmark

Record learning outcomes

The issue of stock shortages dominated a heated Q&A session with speakers at Sigma's overseas convention in Cancun, Mexaco.

Delegates expressed huge frustration, even anger, at the continuing problems, frequently directing their exasperation at manufacturers over quotas and DtP arrangements.

Industry representatives hit back with thinly veiled accusations of exporting, profiteering and €whining€ pharmacists. All the finger pointing was rather unedifying and added little in terms of trying to resolve the issues.

The fact of the matter, as several speakers pointed out, is that the problem is complex and multi-faceted. The NPA's Mike Holden summed it up: €We have to sort out our own backyards, wherever we sit [in the supply chain], to find a solution.€

Pharmacists also expressed concern about the time taken up by the new GPhC inspections and the fact they are unannounced. Chief executive Duncan Rudkin, in his presentation via video-link from London, said unannounced visits were important for credibility and to minimise pharmacies putting on a €special show€ for inspectors. Better preparation by pharmacists, so it is easier for inspectors to get the information they need, would be worthwhile in terms of cutting down inspection times.

He pointed out that inspectors would be asking pharmacy teams to €show and tell€ how their pharmacy is meeting the standards €“ so engagement with pharmacy staff is critical, he told delegates. The new model would favour stable teams with professionally-orientated leadership. €We're concerned about what you do, not what you write about what you do.€