Hive Health

 Almost a year ago I wrote an article on POM to P, a call for pharmacy to embrace the opportunity that new P brands offer. I stand by my argument that pharmacists’ role in consultation gives value to the consumer and allows pharmacy to become true healthcare providers of the high street.

A year on the opportunity arrives. We are proud to have been an intrinsic part of the launch of alli, a landmark pharmacy launch and arguably the most successful pharmacy switch ever. What is so important about alli is that the consultation is a critical part of the offer – more interaction than transaction. It’s a launch that emphasises pharmacy’s shift from a provider of products to an enabler of positive behavioural change. With alli, pharmacists must outline the personal commitment essential to weight loss, help consumers understand their responsibilities and manage their expectations.

To date both pharmacy and consumers have embraced this brand wholeheartedly. GSK have invested heavily in training and pharmacy have enrolled for that training at an unprecedented rate. It feels that this is the switch pharmacy are really going to get behind, proving once and for all that broader access to treatments is good for manufacturers, good for pharmacy, and most importantly good for us all.

Time will tell…