Want to move to SG to work as pharmacist - is it worth it?

[poodlek]

3. To the first point: if you follow certain standards because you think this is right and it reflect in your opinion the level of professionalism you may get frustrated having your colleagues not doing so. In some cases like this one, in a bit more extreme situation you may also be held co-responsible.

My husband has been subject to this *exact* situation multiple times since coming here (not in the same industry though). There just seems to be a different level of diligence here and there seems to be no point at all in fighting against it. It's something you have to live with.

[x9200]

Like this is practically everywhere and unfortunately in many situation you can not just live with this. But I am not fighting, I am finding alternative solutions

[pagophilus]

The source of the stress is not necessarily a demanding boss or tight schedules but the standards of work conduct you are used to. So you may have basically some problems with yourself to adapt to the environment. Perhaps your area is somehow exceptional but being already sold some expired medicines from one of the well established medical service chains in this country I have some doubts.

In Australia, it's hammered into us that we're supposed to have extremely high standards. Not everyone does, but it is expected of us. And apart from constantly trying to increase sales (in retail pharmacy, which is why I prefer hospital pharmacy), from the medical point of view I believe our standards are mostly very high.

In Singapore, I don't know what it's like. I know that Singapore is trying to improve its health system as a whole. It is increasing the standards in pharmacy, pharmacy education, encouraging specialisation by pharmacists etc. It looks like the standards are high.

As for your experience of being sold expired medicines, it shouldn't have happened but it's not necessarily a sign of low standards. If someone is not regularly (monthly) checking expiry dates on the shelves (they should, but I suppose it can be forgotten and it is very tedious), the pharmacist or staff member doesn't usually check the expiry date before giving you the medicine. However, it should have been exchanged for you if you drew their attention to it, +/- an apology.

I'm not so concerned about the standards. I'm more concerned with pressure at work, working hours etc. Cultural differences alone are not so much a concern to me. Being a slave to the employer is. And from what I hear, in the health care system at least it's not too bad.

Leo

[Mad Scientist]

I'm not so concerned about the standards. I'm more concerned with pressure at work, working hours etc. Cultural differences alone are not so much a concern to me. Being a slave to the employer is. And from what I hear, in the health care system at least it's not too bad.

Leo

Mate

I have lived in OZ and SG . So.... if your concern is above then I would suggest you stay in OZ. Unless you are going for private healthcare , it will be long hours etc. You have to nego on your employment contract. SG do produce pharmacist from their own local uni.I doubt the pay is as attractive compare to Oz.

[dianawei4740]

Hi Pagophilus, I'm a registered Australian pharmacist thinking of relocating to Singapore, could you tell me if you went ahead with the move and how it went? it would be much appreciated thank you!