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“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 the stand.”

1.  Role of Doctors and Pharmacists with regards to Patients with Minor Ailments
 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.  

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