London, Nov 18, 2004
IANS

Pharmacists of Indian origin are set to play a growing role in Britain's health services.

Britain has launched a Health Working Group in which these pharmacists would have a greater say in shaping the country's health policy. Health Secretary John Reid met some 200 pharmacists of Indian origin at the House of Commons Thursday evening and lauded their contribution to providing pharmacy services in the country.

The meeting was organised by the Labour Friends of India, an independent parliamentary group with membership of 165 MPs and Peers.

At the meeting, Stephen Pound, MP and chairman of the Labour Friends of India, said: "The Indian community is key to the success of any government policy, especially concerning health.

"We know that approximately 33 percent of you are doctors, we also know of your significant size in the pharmaceutical sector and for this reason we have launched a Health Working Group where pharmacists, such as yourselves, can have a bigger say in shaping health policy and more importantly in telling us how we are going to get there."

At the meeting John Reid said: "Community pharmacies are at the centre of our plans to improve national health services (NHS) for the British people, particularly in poorer and rural areas. Here the community pharmacist is often the key face of the NHS for the local community and makes a real difference to the lives of the people they serve".

"Until now, pharmacists have been an untapped resource. I want to see them more integrated with the NHS family. There will be provision made for pharmacists to offer a much wider range of services to the public."

The Health Working Group aims to provide healthcare professionals the opportunity to contribute towards the policy formulation process.

Sonjoy Chatterjee, CEO of ICICI Bank UK Ltd, launched 'ICICI-Pharmacy', aimed specifically for retail pharmacists.

Ash Soni, chairman of the National Pharmaceutical Association, also attended the function.