Union Dates to 1932 The union was started in 1932 to represent pharmacists, all of whom were white.

"We've heard from more groups than I knew there were in America," he said of the health lobbyists, many of whom represent hospitals, doctors and pharmacists.

However, the American Pharmaceutical Association, which represents pharmacists, said the practice was a sharp break with what doctors have traditionally done.

But the union, representing pharmacists and technicians, will require some convincing.

In May 2004 IPSF became first professional organisation representing pharmacists or pharmacy students to be admitted to the WHO Stop TB Partnership.

The organizations include AARP and groups representing doctors, pharmacists, insurance companies and people with chronic diseases.

Two national organizations representing drugstores and pharmacists filed suit in federal court to block President Bush's plan to endorse drug discount cards issued to Medicare beneficiaries by private companies.

Kimball Fisher and Wallace Johnson represent pharmacists.

The American Pharmaceutical Association, the professional society representing pharmacists, said it recognized the problems and continued efforts to improve getting information to consumers.

The union also represents home-care workers, pharmacists and social workers.