Pharmacy service

Your report (July 29) of the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the 'Pharmacy of your choice' scheme stated that a pharmacist made negative comments on the dispensing practice and professional service provided to patients of public service dispensaries.

The Pharmacy Council would like to express its disappointment at these comments being made in public but not reported to it with all details so that it may take the necessary disciplinary action as mandated by law. The council is especially disappointed since these comments were allegedly made by a member of the pharmacy profession.

The council does its utmot to protect the patient and maintain the highest standard and professional conduct by members of the pharmacy profession and has not shied away from taking disciplinary action where this is justified. However, the council cannot be effective in its actions if alleged cases of malpractice or unprofessional conduct are not adequately reported to it and requests to testify are accepted.

The council invites both professionals and the public to report any cases which they deem unethical or which allegedly breach the professional ethics of the profession, to the Pharmacy Council (181, Melita Street, Valletta, tel. 2125-5538, e-mail: joseph.a.busuttil@gov.mt) instead of reporting this in the press.