WITH an election comes the pledges of support for the pharmacy sector that we saw in Apr ahead of the Federal Election.
And in the UK it's no different, parties of all stripes are professing their undying love to pharmacists and dreaming up new "opportunities" for community pharmacy.
Of the proposals proffered in the lead up to the 12 Dec poll, the British Green party has suggested pharmacists should branch out from their healthcare professional role and start dispensing currently illegal substances.
In its manifesto the Green party has said it wants pharmacists to enter the recreational drugs market, providing over-the-counter cocaine and amphetamines.
Outlining the Green's vision, the party's co-convenor of its Drugs Policy Working Group, Dr Alex Armitage, said specially trained pharmacists could dispense the drugs, provide "safety information" and direct patients to support services if required.
He also said pharmacists could provide prescription heroin, which would have a maximum dose per visit to reduce the risk of overdose, which Armitage compared to restrictions on paracetamol sales.
While legalising recreational drugs might be appealing to the Greens, disclosing a stash of cocaine to an insurer night see premiums soar.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 06 Dec 19
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