Pharmacies' licences - Consumer's Association policy

With reference to the current issue on the liberalisation of pharmacies, the Consumers' Association said in a statement that it retains the same policy it had adopted years ago.

"We believe that, as long as one proves to be able to and makes a commitment to abide by the current regulations on pharmacies, one ought to be granted a licence to open a pharmacy.

"The adoption of a policy to restrict the number of pharmacies is not in the interest of consumers. Therefore the issuing of pharmacies' licences must be liberalised.

Indeed the restriction of the number of pharmacies only safeguards the interests of existing pharmacies and goes against the concept of a liberalised 'competitive' market place which, in the European Union, is a sine qua non. Indeed such a restriction impacts negatively on the quality of service, the interest of consumers, and those who wish to open new pharmacies.

"Consumer rights and interests can only be safeguarded in a competitive, liberalised marketplace where prices are kept as low as possible and standards are as high as possible. Thus the Consumers' Association appeals to Government to issue licences to those who are able and willing to abide by current regulations.

"Finally we appeal to the government and relevant bodies to consult the Consumers' Association before taking decisions on this issue."