19 October 2010

Pharmacists and doctors must work together

The World Medical Association has stressed the importance of pharmacists and doctors working together at its General Assembly in Vancouver.

On 16th October, the WMA said that the two professions had complementary and supportive responsibilities and this required communication, respect, trust and mutual recognition of each other's professional competence.

The organisation also stressed that collaboration between the two professions is imperative, particularly to develop training and information sharing with one another and with patients. Dialogue should be kept open between physicians' and pharmacists' representative organizations in order to define each profession's respective functions and promote the optimal use of drugs within a framework of transparency and cooperation, all in the best interests of patients.

Dr. Edward Hill, Chair of Council of the WMA, said, “Our patients will be served best when pharmacists and physicians collaborate together, recognizing each other's roles, to ensure that medicines are used safely and appropriately to achieve the best health outcome.”

The WMA is an international organization representing physicians. More information on the organisation can be found at www.wma.net.