The Pharmacy Council has offered advice to consumers. Here it is:
“Let’s start with the very basics-
“1. What types of business premises are licensed to offer medicines for sale to the public?
“There are two categories in Guyana – a pharmacy or a patent shop formerly known as a dispensary
“2. What is a pharmacy?
“A pharmacy is an establishment or premises where medicines or devices are dispensed or prepared and sold by retail to the public. The sign ‘Pharmacy’ must be conspicuously displayed on the exterior of the establishment.
“A pharmacy retails medicines in the categories of Prescription only Medicines (POM) Over the Counter (OTC) Medicines and Poisons (Part 1 and Part II).
“3. Do patent shops still exist? What is a patent shop?
“Yes, they are still in existence, however the sign is sometimes not displayed or mistakenly advertised as a ‘pharmacy.’ A patent shop is an establishment or premises where Over the Counter (OTC) medicines only and Poisons (Part l) are stored and sold. No prescription medicines should be purchased, stored or offered for sale to the public. The sign ‘Patent Shop’ must be conspicuously displayed on the exterior of the establishment.
“4. Is there a licensing body for these premises?
“Yes, the Pharmacy & Poisons Board, a required statutory body emanating from the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance 1956.
“5. What are the licensing requirements to operate a pharmacy or a patent shop?
“An enclosed and secure building or room that is well ventilated, clearly lit, fitted with running water and a sink, storage cupboards and [which is] accessible to clients. In the case of a pharmacy, an additional enclosed room with a door is required within the enclosed area where prescription medicines only should be stored in medicine cupboards fitted with locks.
“6. Is there a fee that must be paid to operate a pharmacy or a patent shop?
“Yes, the Pharmacy & Poisons Board is responsible for granting an annual permit to operate a patent shop for a fee of $500, and $1500 for a pharmacy.
“7. Who are the persons required to be employed in a pharmacy or a patent shop?
“Let’s answer this by speaking about the pharmacy
“* The pharmacy must have a registered pharmacist. Upon completion of the pharmacy programme at a recognized university, a pharmacist is required to register with the Pharmacy Council of Guyana (PCG).
“Therefore he/she is required to pay an annual retention fee whether he/she is practising or not. This is supported by his or her attendance at mandatory Continuing Sessions as stipulated by the Pharmacy Practitioners Act 2003.
“The patent shop does not require a pharmacist; however it is advisable that persons involved in this type of retail business have some knowledge of what is offered for sale. [The] pre-packaging of medicines is prohibited. All medicines must be sold in their original container with their seals unbroken.
(To be continued)
