Pharmacies hold a position of trust and must not be undermined by the wrong-doings of a small minority

Published on Monday, 17 December 2012 12:06

Posted by Vicki Mitchem

Andy Burnham MP, Labour's Shadow Health Secretary, in response to a BBC investigation into prescription-only drugs being sold routinely in London pharmacies, said:

"Pharmacies hold a position of trust on our high streets and that must not be undermined by the wrong-doings of a small minority.

"People will be shocked to see the pharmacists revealed by this investigation acting like small-time drug pushers - profiteering from addiction, feeding crime and causing huge harm to individuals, families and communities. This is a frightening prospect in the current economic climate and has the potential to cause real misery.

"I have no doubt at all that the vast majority of the profession operates to the highest standards and will be appalled by what has been revealed. However, it is incumbent on the profession and the Government to take urgent action to stamp this out before it spreads.

"First, enforcement action must be taken against the pharmacies concerned. Second, the Government should review again how pharmacy is regulated. For instance, there is a clear case for unannounced spot-checks to change the regulatory culture."

Source: ©Labour