Retail chains need people in the profession to act as counsellors
Medical mishaps are increasingly making headlines in local papers, so knowing who to trust in the profession is essential. But one area that is gaining public confidence and respect is that of the pharmacist.
But this was not always so. 'People think we are either doctors, because we wear white coats, or we are just sales staff. However, we're not doctors because we cannot prescribe medication, but we're definitely more than just sales staff,' said Philip Chiu Kwok-leung, senior pharmacist at Mannings retail chain for health and beauty products.
A pharmacist's major responsibility is still seen as selling tablets over the counter, but Kenneth Lee Kwing-chin, professor at the School of Pharmacy of Chinese University, said: 'People think we hide behind the counter and count pills. That would be closer to a dispenser's job [at a hospital].'
Michael Yim Tze-kok, senior pharmacist at Watsons, said: 'We advise and counsel people not only on the prescriptions written for them, but on matters of health, nutrition and fitness in general.
'We fill their prescriptions for them, letting them know about the possible side effects because this isn't always covered by the doctor.'
Counselling and advising customers on the use of drugs and health issues is a new business direction for retailers of health products in Hong Kong. Watsons runs a pharmacy hotline, the only one in Hong Kong.