Dispensing by the community pharmacist: an unstoppable decline?

Abstract

After posing the question `Is your chemist really necessary?' this article demonstrates that the original role of the retail chemist - the preparation and safe dispensing of medicines - has become eroded. Furthermore, it is shown that the proposed new community roles are currently being carried out by other members of the primary care team. Finally, it is argued that the retail pharmacist may not give value for money and that doctor dispensing is a less expensive and safer alternative.