Fiji pharmacists demand spot fines and immediate closure for unlicensed pharmacies

Pharmacists in Fiji are demanding tougher enforcement of existing laws, proposing immediate penalties such as spot fines and the closure of pharmacies that operate without a registered pharmacist on site. These recommendations emerged from public consultations on proposed amendments to pharmacy legislation, where stakeholders stressed the urgent need for stronger deterrents to improve compliance and safeguard patient well-being.

"One of the complaints we receive a lot is that the pharmacist is not present on site," stated pharmacist Shivneel Singh. "I’m suggesting we have spot fines for both the pharmacist and the pharmacy owner. There should be immediate closure of the pharmacy, with a notice put up, and it should only reopen once the fine is cleared."

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One of the complaints we receive a lot is that the pharmacist is not present on site. I’m suggesting we have spot fines for both the pharmacist and the pharmacy owner. There should be immediate closure of the pharmacy, with a notice put up, and it should only reopen once the fine is cleared.

Singh further argued for more stringent enforcement against pharmacies that repeatedly violate regulations. "There is a need to be more stringent with our enforcement and have specific laws to stop this sort of behaviour," he said, noting that while consequences exist, they require proper enforcement by empowered pharmacy inspectors to prevent continuous breaches.

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There is a need to be more stringent with our enforcement and have specific laws to stop this sort of behaviour.

Pharmacist Reshnika Sen highlighted the importance of raising professional standards as central to the proposed reforms. "There should be compulsory membership of the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society. If anyone wants to practise in Fiji, they should be a member of the society. Pharmacists need to stay informed and connected with what’s happening in the profession," she urged.

Additional proposals from stakeholders include mandatory professional indemnity insurance for practicing pharmacists, an updated composition for the Pharmacy Board, and more rigorous registration requirements for pharmacists trained overseas. These measures collectively aim to enhance accountability and professional standards within Fiji's pharmaceutical sector.

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There should be compulsory membership of the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society. If anyone wants to practise in Fiji, they should be a member of the society. Pharmacists need to stay informed and connected with what’s happening in the profession.