The Malta Chamber of Pharmacists refers to the report carried in Times (June 22) entitled “Leading Medicine Importer Willing to Apply for Morning After Pill” (click here for article) and would like to correct the point made by our anonymous colleague who stated that
” If the prescription is coming from a doctor, then as a pharmacist, I cannot refuse to sell it to the customer,” ,
The Chamber wishes to state that pharmacists are independent healthcare professionals(HCPs) have every right and responsibility to question a doctor’s prescription, not only in this context, but in any other situation, and use his or her discretion on whether a prescription is to be dispensed or not. This is enabled by the Medicines Act and the Code of Ethics of the Pharmacy profession issued by the Pharmacy Council.