Medicines verification has already become a routine process in Apotheka pharmacies, and we fully support the idea of doing everything possible to prevent any potential risks to the safety of medicines.
The Medicines Verification System is used countless times daily in our pharmacies, and our pharmacists report that it is convenient and fast. An important aspect is that the system is technically robust and functions as intended. If the system works and the medicines are authentic, the system is almost invisible to customers. For now, however, the system primarily serves as an internal tool for the sector and is fully integrated into the pharmacist's workflow.
Pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system. As a company, we are delighted to see that, in recent years, people have become increasingly aware of and appreciative of pharmacists' expertise. For example, the 2023 Mana Aptieka and Apotheka Health Index survey, which measures public health trends, found that 88% of Latvians unequivocally trust pharmacists as healthcare professionals.
While this high level of trust in pharmacists is encouraging, and people rely on the pharmacist to verify the safety of medicines, it is important to involve the patient in the process by informing and educating the public about the safety of medicines at all stages of the medicines supply chain.