Tuscan pharmacists are on the alert following the opening of the first "Chinese" parapharmacy. What is worrying, however, more than the competition, would seem to be the failure to comply with the rules. The local press called it the first "Chinese" parapharmacy in Tuscany. It could only open in Prato, the city with the largest presence of immigrants from the Asian country, but the adjective is not entirely appropriate: the ownership of the store, in fact, would belong to a group of partners including an Italian pharmacist. However, it is not for "passport" reasons that the parapharmacy has risen to the headlines. The fact is that shortly after its inauguration, the ASL of the Tuscan city received some reports of alleged irregularities, sent by the owners of the pharmacy in the area. To begin with, some have drawn attention to the parapharmacy's flyers, which allegedly advertise in Chinese medicines for gynecological use that the establishment cannot trade. Others, on the other hand, have pointed out that the Italian pharmacist, obliged by law to ensure his presence during the entire opening hours, would very rarely show up at the counter. «We have not received any reports» comments the president of the Order of Pharmacists of Prato, Mario Tercinod «but we know of the complaints. The ASL asked the Nas for an inspection of the parapharmacy, which was carried out in recent days. What they found is unknown at the moment." Meanwhile, the pharmacy owners of Tuscany remain at the window with some anxiety. According to some newspapers, more than a dozen applications for the opening of parapharmacies have already been presented in the region by oriental immigrants. Fear of the foreigner? Judging by the case of Prato, compliance with the rules is worrying.
Pharmacist33 – 16 September 2010 – Year 6, Number 155
