I AM all for retaining the present one-stop system of prescribing and dispensing medicine, as described by Dr Steven Chow of the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia (”Don’t tamper with dispensing system” — NST, July 7).

I am a member of the public with no links whatsoever to either private medical practitioners or pharmacists.

From personal experience and from listening to friends and other members of the public, I get the feeling that the overwhelming preference is for a one-stop system, as is currently practised in Malaysia by private medical clinics. This system is both convenient and cost-effective.

The welfare and convenience of the patients (the customers, as it were) should be the paramount consideration in any review of the present dispensing system.

And while we recognise that pharmacists do have an important role to play in our healthcare system, I would rather their role be complementary to a proven system that the public has been comfortable with for decades.

Even at this present time, when prescribing and dispensing roles have not been separated, many pharmacists are doing well.

This is because the public has come to recognise their very specialised role in the private healthcare system and use of their services alongside those of private medical practitioners.

TAM YONG YUEE, Muar

Source: NST – July 9, 2009