THESMANEWS
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Present Issue
Past Issues
Letters to the Editor
The following is the SMA’s reply to the letter dated 30 December 1997 from Wu Tuck Seng, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore, which was published in the January 1998 issue of the SMA (N6).
“We refer to your letter of 30th December 1997, which was printed
in the January 1998 issue of the Singapore Medical Journal (page N6).
We would like to draw your attention to a letter from Dr Clarence Tan,
Deputy Director of Medical Services (Service Regulation), for Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of Health. This was printed in the forum page of the
Straits Times of 20th January 1998 entitled, “Pharmacists’ ‘safety-net’
role in self-medication”. The letter states the position of the Ministry
of Health on the above subject as follows:
“Responsible
self-medication is defined as the act of treating oneself properly and
appropriately, with medicine that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.
Pharmacists
are trained to promote responsible self-medication.
They are aware
of the limitations of self-medication, and observe strict ethical guidelines
on dispensing, and the provision of advice to the public.
The pharmacist
is not a substitute for a doctor’s consultation, but provides a professional
‘safety net’ to ensure that those who choose to self-medicate are properly
informed and acting without detriment to their own health.
The Ministry
of Health would like to emphasise that self-medication is appropriate only
for the alleviation of symptoms of minor self-limiting conditions, such
as coughs and colds, constipation, minor cuts and scratches, upset stomachs,
indigestion and common headaches.
Should a course
of self-medication not result in improvement, the ministry advises that
a visit to the doctor should follow without delay.”
The Ministry’s policy clearly states that the pharmacist only comes
in as a safety net when the patient makes the decision to self-medicate
and wants professional advice. The Singapore Medical Association supports
this stand.“
2. Meeting with the Law Society
Representatives of the SMA Council and the Law Society met on
11 February 1998 to discuss and jointly work out guidelines concerning
court attendance and related matters. Both Councils will consolidate the
recommendations discussed during the meeting, and arrive at a common consensus.
A joint submission would then be made to the Registrar of the Courts. We
shall keep the members informed once the submission is finalised.
3. Guideline of Consultation Fees for Extended Hours Clinics
The SMA Council has decided to publish a guideline of consultation
fees for clinics that open beyond the usual hours such as 24-hour clinics.
A focus group meeting in mid-March would be convened by the President to
gather feedback from doctors so concerned. Please write in to the Hon Gen
Sec if you are interested to attend this meeting.