Small pharmacists need praise, support

YOUR June 9 edition, “Township pharmacist a caring hand in pandemic”, refers.

I believe that an independent pharmacist such as Mr Mahintsho deserves not only the patronage of his community but enormous accolades from all of us.

We are always saying that small business is the answer to many of our labour problems, but very seldom do we try and support small business.

Independent pharmacies are having a torrid time and have to face enormous regulations.

The price of medication is heavily controlled and a small pharmacist has to eke out a living despite heavy competition from the larger pharmacy chain stores.

The independent pharmacist forms a relationship with his or her clientele and more often than not, understands the needs and the whole medical picture far better than the once-off visit to a doctor at a clinic.

I know pharmacists are at the front line during this pandemic, and I also understand that many people find pharmacists more approachable and accessible regarding the everyday medical complaints that we all experience.

My father practised as an independent pharmacist for 45 years, six days a week, 12 hours a day, and often boasted that he was able to identify if the doctor had under- or over-prescribed.

More often than not, he used to send his customers back to the doctors for a reassessment.

Well done to Mr Mahintsho and I am sure most of us wish him enormous success for a illustrious and satisfying career.