A forthcoming review of pharmacy dispensing fees announced by Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang on Thursday was well received by pharmacists.
When the health minister launched the controversial new structure for the fees pharmacies could charge when dispensing medicine last year, pharmacists were outraged as they felt the move would result in their operating at a loss.
Community pharmacists welcomed the announcement, said the United South African Pharmacies (Usap), which represents about 1 200 community pharmacies.
Chairperson Julian Solomon said Usap was particularly happy about her offer to include interested parties in the process.
"We are more than happy to cooperate with the Health Department in revising the fee structure, and are hopeful that a workable compromise can be reached that would be acceptable to both pharmacies and consumers."
Solomon had reportedly described last year's dispensing fee structure as a "lunatic ruling"
that favoured large chain stores and would obliterate independently owned pharmacies.
from a story on M&G on medical dispensing fees here
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