Interview with Dr. Phil. Elisabeth Grimm Battig, Basel, Switzerland

The main objective of the interview is to understand the functioning of the community pharmacy practice and details of profession of pharmacy in general in Switzerland.

Dr. Phil. Elisabeth Grimm Battig is the head of the department whose responsibility is to regulate the quality of community and hospital pharmacy Basel. She heads the Department Gesundhiet und Soziales , Kantonsapothekerin .

Prof Anantha Naik Nagappa,President,ACPI interviewing Dr. Phil. Elisabeth Grimm Battig

Q: What is the history of community pharmacy in Switzerland?

A: The history of Apothekeries (pharmacy) dates back to 12th to 13th century. The Emperor Frederic II organized the health care profession into physicians (expertise in diagnostics and prescribing) and pharmacists ( expertise in drug and dispensing ). The standards of pharmacy profession were self-regulated by privately owned pharmacies. The pharmacies established guild house for pharmacists, which was regulating the education and practice of pharmacy profession till universities were established. It was mandatory to obtain the membership to guild to practice the profession of pharmacy in Switzerland.

Q: Please describe the Educational system followed for Pharmacist ?

A: Minimum educational qualification to be an Independent pharmacist is Masters. After 10 + 2, Bsc in Pharmacy for three years, a 2 years of Maters with a year of internship (Total 6 years). To become a qualified community pharmacist, like one has to qualify in federal examination for pharmacist. He has work for 24 months assistant pharmacist for 2 years under guidance of independent pharmacist to become head of the pharmacy.

Q: What is the classification of health care professions in Switzerland?

A: Federal Law of Medical and Pharmacy Education bifurcates the profession into Medical professions and medical Aid. Medical professions are Physicians, Pharmacist, Dentist and Veterinarians medical aids involve nurses, physiotherapy and others.

Q: What is the average salary for the Manager for pharmacy?

A: It is around 100 thousand Swiss francs per annum and perks.

Q: What are the main responsibilities of Manger of Pharmacy?

A: The manager is responsible for implementation and running pharmacy as per quality management system prescribed by regulatory board. He has to ensure error free dispensing. He must document purchases, handing storages and manufacturing

Extempore customized prescriptions. He must check the authenticity of formulations which are mentioned in pharmacopeias.

Q: Which are the famous chain pharmacies of Switzerland?

A; Loin Apothek, Glodene Apotheke and GABA Apotheke.

Q : What are the working hours and holidays for Pharmacist ?

A: Pharmacist working schedule is minimum of 43 hours. If pharmacy is open for 60 hours per week , than 2 pharmacy mangers need to be appointed. The pharmacy manger is must and should for running the pharmacy. Pharmacy Mangers are entitled for 4 weeks vacation in a year. He must participate 5 days continuous education per year.

Q: What is the social status of Pharmacist?

A: Pharmacists are looked with great respect and are ranked 2nd to 3rd reputed profession in Switzerland.

Q: What is the rate of incidence of pharmacist engaging in unethical practice and what punishments are given for wrong doings?

A: Very rare as Pharmacist are respected for their commitment to professional ethics. In last ten years, one of the pharmacist was found guilty of accepting the falsified prescription and dispensing them. As he was not doing it for financial gain or other unfair deal, he was barred from practice of profession for three years.