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Pharmacists tell us your thoughts… on the GPhC's proposals to use 'mystery shoppers'
Calling all Pharmacists!
What do you think about the GPhC's recent proposals to use covert 'mystery shopper' tactics in a bid to address potential blind spots in regulation?
This news comes in reaction to a BBC investigation in December which alleged that nine London pharmacies were illegally selling POMs such as temazepam and Valium over the counter for cash. But is this an overreaction?
The idea of potential random visits from the regulator could act as a powerful deterrent for Pharmacists tempted to break the rules, but it has been suggested that it could also result in a 'nit-picking' culture in which good Pharmacists are unfairly targeted.
Would a fair solution to this problem be to only use this approach in Pharmacies which are already under suspicion of 'sinister practices'?
How would you feel about a visit from a mystery shopper?
Let us know your thoughts!