Medical practitioner choosing

As prescription medicines are prescribed by a medical practitioner rather than purchased off the shelf by the consumer, there is generally little incentive to convey origin information. Where manufacturers choose to do so, they must comply with State Fair Trading Acts, and the Commonwealth Trade Practices Act 1974. 

The 1938 law states that the label of a medication should contain adequate information regarding its use. However, in practice, it became evident that some pharmaceuticals and medications had to be administered by or under the orientation of a medical practitioner, due to the inability of a layman to diagnose a disease, choose an effective treatment, and recognize the cure or the symptoms. Several products were thus classified, but the prescription concept of a medication was introduced only after Alteration in the Law of Durham-Humphrey s in 1951. Since then, a label had to carry the warring Caution, the Federal Law prohibits dispensation without medical prescription. The use of these medications had to be restricted to prescription by a practitioner and the packing or printed material inside had to contain adequate information so that the practitioner could prescribe them safely. 

Pharmacies are continually looking for new and better ideas to differentiate themselves from other retail outlets and to offer additional health care services to their customers. The addition of in-store medical clinics allows customers to receive medical care that is quick, inexpensive, and convenient (Fig. 23-7). Staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants that have prescribing authority, patients can choose from a posted list of services provided, receive treatment, and be on their way in less time than at a medical clinic or emergency room. Patients who need OTC or prescription items can pick up these items right in the store. 

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