Conflict of interest claim over UK OTC move

The UK government is considering a proposal to allow up to 5,000 general practitioners to sell over-the-counter drugs in remote parts of the  country where pharmacy services are limited. Norman Lamb, a spokesman  for the opposition Liberal Democrat party, denounced the idea as  "potentially dangerous," adding that it could "risk undermining the  fundamental relationship between GP and patient."

Under current rules, some doctors are allowed to dispense prescription  drugs, collecting the appropriate fees from the National Health Service.  The change being examined would mean that OTC products could be bought  without a consultation, with the profits "benefit[ing] local health  services."

However, the General Medical Council, which would investigate complaints  against individual doctors, told the Marketletter that allegations of  conflict of interest over the sale of drugs are extremely rare, and that  physicians are bound to maintain an "open and honest" relationship  with the patient about fincial interests.