The Conflict Between the Pharmaceutical Industry and Pharmacists

Abstract

SUMMARYThis article looks at the behaviors of pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry that are not appreciated by the other party. These are natural, to-be-expected events that are part of each organization's striving to be successful regarding sales growth and profitability. Several examples are cited from both perspectives, and the article concludes that perhaps knowledge about the impact of our decisions and actions upon others might, at least in some small way, contribute to developing more distribution-channel-friendly practices. Both entities can be expected to be around for the foreseeable future, doing what is needed to create shareholder value, but knowledge of the halo effect of their actions might smooth a needed and necessary relationship.