Should the "Conscience Clause" be abolished?

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"Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits." (Thomas Jefferson)

And how that above quote and principle one of the Medicines, Ethics and Practice Code of Ethics marry so romantically. Pharmacists are there to support patients and make them their first concern, no matter what else is going on.

As a qualified pharmacist and a man of Islamic belief, I don't ever intend to use the opt out option. That's not to say that I wouldn't enquire with a local doctor about the clinical effectiveness and safety of a patient's prescription, but when it comes to services like the emergency hormonal contraception then, as long as a legitimate need is there for EHC and the legalities of making a sale or supply are fully adhered to then there isn't a problem. 

So why isn't it a problem for me? As far as my religion is concerned, the vast majority of scholars permit contraception. And think about the name of the service provided - Emergency Hormonal Contraception. Conception is stopped by inhibition the process of ovulation. The pregnancy begins when the implementation process has taken place. EHC, such as levonorgestrel 1500mcg, cannot be taken after 72 hours since unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place. Although it isn't exactly known when implantation takes place, it is very unlikely to be in that 72 hour period.

When the pharmacy code was reviewed a few years ago, the decision was made to continue to opt out option for pharmacists who may want to take the option of refusing to sell or supply certain medicinal products. It left organisations such as the National Secular Society disappointed as they had called for the clause to be removed.

But think about it. How many pharmacists have you seen, either as a patient or whether you are involved in the profession, actually refuse to supply a medicine because of personal beliefs? In my experience, the answer is none. I imagine there may be a handful of pharmacists across these islands and beyond who opt out of providing certain services. But again, its only merely a handful and this has provoked some people in the profession to question the legitimacy of there being a "conscience clause". In fact, some may ask what is the point of having one?

But there is no need to abolish the "conscience clause" because we already have a strong code of ethics that actually guides us and defines the number one priority is as a pharmacist - our patients. And what's more, it is not my place to turn around and start dictating what a person's personal beliefs should be. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we are acting in the patient's best interests but it is also the responsibility of the individual to reflect on past actions and critically examine whether they possess a legitimate reason not to provide a certain service or whether their personal beliefs compromise patient care. Pharmacists who choose not to provide EHC are still strongly advised to refer any patient in need of the service to the nearest pharmacy who provide it or, in some cases, an appropriate healthcare practitioner. 

It is a controversial issue that will never go away, whether it stays or goes. But what's certain is that nothing can compromise principle one of the code of ethics. Not even a person's own set of personal beliefs.

10,000 page views! Thank you!

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This weekend, I reached an amazing 10,000 page views for my website, nearly just three months after launching. 

That could never have been achieved without having you visiting my website, especially to those of you who keep coming back as I upload new blog posts and articles. I always aim to write excellent quality pieces and always strive to be as articulate as possible in expressing my views and perspective on matters around us.

I want to thank you personally for your support, warm kindness with your positive comments over the weeks and encouragement. I really love running this website and will continue to do so for some time yet, God willing. 

And remember, please feel free to come back anytime and any day. Thank you again. God bless you.

Smart drugs aren't so clever

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Yesterday, I read this weekend's edition of the Pharmaceutical Journal about the use of certain drugs by students in order to increase their ability to perform well in examinations at university. There is no doubt that university is a colourful part of someone's life and not only for the reasons of going out and building a sustainable social circle and enriching yourself in it.

But then of course there is the continuous number of assessments that just keep coming and coming. There are products available which an increasing number of students over the years have started to take in order to enhance their performance, like cognitive enhancers. And some of those students have even stated their approval for using those drugs as it has improved their performance in exams.

But I'm sceptical. As the saying goes, "don't judge a book by its front cover".

Because this whole issue boils down to one thing - safety. The side effects of drugs like methylphenidate and modafinil are very unpleasant and can dramatically affect the cardiovascular system and the brain. Too many people see the short term benefit and snub the long term damage that inappropriate use of those medicines can cause. We are jumping into the swimming pool with two feet and not anticipating ourselves for getting the dive right and avoiding anybody who may happen to be in our way when we head for the pool.

Personally, the growing use of cognitive enhancers, without a proper diagnosis, has been caused by a fear of failure in life, which has arisen due to the fact we have refused to see beyond the boundaries of academia. Academia has almost become a prerequisite for success in life and that certainly isn't the case. Life is bigger than that.

And, as far as exams are concerned, I don't really think there is a need to chase so enthusiastically after those medicines for the purposes of simply getting an extra five marks in an assessment. Its not worth it at all and not even for half a mark. The whole purpose of studying a course at university is not to solely become an exam passing machine. It is to enlighten a person about the subject being learned and to achieve new skills which are essential for employment and further advancing someone's career.

For too long, there has been too much emphasis and, dare I say this, panic about simply passing exams. Its become too much of, "you must get an A" or "you must get better marks than the person or group of people you loathe in your class". We need to realise that in each of us the only competition is simply ourselves and nobody else. Not everyone is an academic genius and I don't think the "you must go to university or you are surplus to life's requirements" attitude that has been indoctrinated into people's minds in the last fifteen years has any credibility whatsoever.

From my own personal experience, I was never an academic genius and proved this during my school years and time at university. There were always people out there who would beat me 999 out of a 1,000 when it came to examinations. Yet, so far, I can say I've done fairly alright in life. And there are many people who have been incredibly successful who never even went to university. Look no further than the entrepreneurial stars of Dragons' Den.

Life's real test hasn't been about how many marks you can accumulate in an assessment, and frankly never will be. Its about how brilliant of an individual you can be. I'm not suggesting that academically bright people can't go on to become awesome individuals but its about time we embraced individualism on a full time basis and accept that everyone is different and has something special in them to be successful in life.

And finally, as far as achieving employment is concerned, what is the whole point of studying for an academic award when you aren't preparing yourself for the long term and connecting your abilities with the needs of the workplace? We are human beings and not exam passing robots. We are all unique and not monotonous.

And we are all uniquely brilliant in our own ways.

Take Me Out? I don't think so...

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There's something about ITV's hit show Take Me Out that places me in a very nervous disposition.

Late last year, I posed the question of whether dating was actually awkward. I think elements of the programme reinforce the probing of the credibility of dating. The entertainment aspect of shows like the one that Bolton's Paddy McGuinness hosts or even Blind Date with Liverpool's own Cilla Black appeals to many people and that idea of having fun certainly comes across well enough.

But the bottom line is, dating fails and love happens by accident in nearly all cases. Love happens when you least expect it. It will come to you in the strangest way imaginable, at a time and place you didn't choose, desire nor expect. Love is one of those things where if you push for it, you certainly won't get it. No amount of money can ever buy it.

And what's more, I have a feeling that some of those contestants, from both genders, try to portray themselves as someone else whilst not being themselves, in order to win over the hearts and minds of those that they want to welcome into their own lives. That's really sad because they're doing no justice to themselves, unless of course they purely went on the show to earn their five minutes of fame.

Its a bit of a paradox of a situation really because you're actually defeating the whole purpose of trying to find yourself that special someone. Why not just be you and live your life the way you want without anyone trying to influence your own ways?

So whilst you watch those kind of shows, never despair and think you have to surrender your autonomy. People love you for who you are. And what's more, your special moment will come.

Valentine's Day is not just today. Its everyday.

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Today marks the Feast of Saint Valentine. Celebrated in most parts of the world, history states that it began as a liturgical celebration of a Christian saint (or more than one of them) called Valentinus. A man called Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a poem called Parlement of Foules in the 14th century and his writing marked the first occasion of this day with the concept of romance and love: 

"For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make."

(Source: Parelement of Foules, 1382, written by Geoffrey Chaucer)

I passionately believe that romance is more alive than ever before. I do not accept the idea that romance is seen as an old fashioned and outdated ideology, despite what elements of the media and many others will make you believe. But that's not to say that within some groups of people, worldwide, romance has been tragically shunned in favour of pure lust, which on its own without the soothing combination with romance, is rather nauseatingly loathsome. 

An upcoming star of Irish journalism, Meghann Scully, provided a thought provoking insight last year of a night out she experienced in Galway. After I read through it, I have to honestly admit that frankly my own heart sank. 

It would be very delusional of me to dismiss that experience as a one off because I do think that a significant portion of people from my own gender need a polite yet substantial talking with when it comes to learning how to communicate with women. Her blog last year suggested to me that many men have simply lost the plot when it comes to actually understanding the art of winning over the hearts and minds of the opposite gender. And not necessarily just in terms of finding a relationship.

When I was travelling back on a train one afternoon many weeks ago I heard a bloke sitting near me referring to his girlfriend as a "bird". Desperately repulsive if you ask me. Women are after all human beings and deserve much better. Today marks the day of the One Billion Rising campaign which is taking place all over the planet, outlining and emphasising the message that women are human beings and are deserving of equal respect and good treatment and nothing less.

But as far as romance is concerned, loving that very person who matters so much to you in your life is an art. Relationships are not just convenient commodities. Nor is Valentine's Day the only day in the year when you feel you have to make some sort of an effort to declare your uncompromising love to the love of your life. 

As for the men without that special someone, take note of Meghann's blog and learn the lessons carefully. Technology may be evolving but the value of chivalry remains undiminished.

And all I can say is to my fellow blokes who have that special someone in their own lives worldwide - don't just treat your lady well today. Treat her well everyday.

Because, after all, love is a 24 hours a day, 365 day a year effort. 

Why Celtic must win tonight for Scottish football's sake

Despite the problems off the Scottish football pitch, there is a lot to celebrate in recent times like the arrival of a much more enthusiastic and passionate national football team manager with a proven track record of success.

And then there's a certain football club in the east end of Glasgow who have a major responsibility on their shoulders tonight. Not just for the sake of their club, but for the sake of the country and the national game.

Celtic will be pitting their wits against Juventus in just under an hour's time in front of 60,000 roared up fans and millions of viewers across these islands and beyond. I have every confidence in Neil Lennon and his men and believe they will run out as clear winners by the end of the game tonight. They've done it before and will do it again.

After news yesterday regarding Celtic's excellent financial figures for the final half of 2012, the fruits of success in Europe's top footballing competition have been well and truly known. And a win in the last 16 isn't just beneficial for the finances at Parkhead. Lets also remember that the whole game in Scotland benefits too if Celtic put Juventus out of the Champions League, because Scotland will rise in the UEFA coefficient league, hence more places will be made available for entry into UEFA competitions such as the Champions League and Europa League to Scottish clubs.

I wish Juventus every success in the world. But, without apology, Celtic have my support and further progress in this competition is nothing more than welcome.

Scotland are well and truly back on the sporting front

First game for Mr Strachan at Pittodrie. First win for the national football team under his tenure.

First home Six Nations game of the tournament for Scotland. First win at Murrayfield this tournament.

And let me tell you, this is only the beginning.

It may well have been a terrible period for both the national football and rugby union teams this last few months. But this week, we are well and truly back.

Our teams have finally caught up with the likes of our heroic athletes including the likes of Katherine Grainger, Sir Chris Hoy and Andy Murray. The performances of both teams on the pitch in Aberdeen and Edinburgh have been terrific and there is no doubt the feel good winning factor has well and truly been installed once again.

Now we well and truly look forward to further sporting prosperity. We won't be flawless, but we are finally going in the right direction and will continue to do so, particularly with Glasgow 2014 coming up and lots of future success to look forward to as far as Scottish sport is concerned.

What a week for our country.

Alba gu bràth.