[e-drug] prescribing and dispensing in one hand?

["Pascal Verhoeven" <verhoeven.pascal@gmail.com>]

E-DRUG: prescribing and dispensing in one hand?
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Dear E-druggers,

There may be not many of us who complete a pharmacy degree and combine the
same with medical school (plus of course are in a position to also fulfil
the post-graduate obligations coming with using the diplomas). But for those who do, it can pose an interesting situation where authorities may be
challenged to grant or refuse licensing.

In a legislation project we were confronted with the scenario of a medical
doctor who happens to be graduated as a pharmacist as well. Now he likes to
practice medicine and open a pharmacy in country X. Should legislation
prohibit this as it may (easily) lead to supplier-induced demand/use of
medicines not in the interest of the patient, or in other words: 

should pharmacy law state that prescribers are not allowed to have any
(commercial) linkage with the dispensing of medicines, segregate prescribing and dispensing? Is it always feasible? 

We have found a bit of jurisdiction on it, but not much so far. Obviously we would not like to ignore the possible add-on effect of such a person, but have been reaching a conclusion as yet.

What are other countries experiences or solutions in terms of legislation
and pharmacy licensing?

hope to hear soon,

Pascal Verhoeven
Pharmacist
The Netherlands
verhoeven.pascal@gmail.com