1. they are the “drug experts” 2. they understand the principles of quality assurance as they are applied to medicines 3. they appreciate the intricacies of the distribution chain and the principles of efficient stock- keeping and stock turnover 4. they are familiar with the pricing structures applied to medicinal products that obtain within the markets in which they operate 5. they are the custodians of much technical information on the products available on their domestic market; 6. they are able to provide informed advice to patients with minor illnesses and often to those with more chronic conditions who are on established maintenance therapy; 7. they provide an interface between the duties of prescribing and selling medicines and, in so doing, they dispose of any perceived or potential conflict of interest between these two functions.