How will the new scheme affect government pharmacists?

Could the health authorities explain how the Pharmacy Of Your Choice scheme is going to work exactly? Can someone explain how government-employed pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and other pharmacy staff and clerical workers, working in the primary healthcare section, will be affected?

In spite of everything and with reference to various letters appearing in the local media on the scheme, what surprises me the most is the fact that we still haven't heard anything from staff working in the private sector.

Having said all this, it is quite clear that the government-employed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians want answers, especially whether they would still be required to prepare the pre-packs and if the procurement and distribution would be the responsability of government employees or entrusted to a private contractor.

The POYC scheme must not be implemented at the expense of government-employed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

I must point out and make it clear, that I and my colleagues are not against the POYC, since it is not wrong. It is beneficial for patients. However, it is the concept of how it is being introduced and of how it is to operate which seems wrong and preoccupies and worries the government pharmacy staff, as they are concerned about their job's future.

Could the employment of government pharmacists and pharmacy technicians be guaranteed, as many are worried that their employment could be at risk, and that the government pharmacies will be slowly phased out.

With the introduction of POYC, will the new government pharmacy at Rabat still open and offer its services to patients?

The implementation of the POYC scheme should increase and not decrease employment opportunities for pharmacists and pharmacy tehnicians.