The UK government has announced plans to give pharmacies in England the power to prescribe more medication from autumn. The move is part of a new plan to ease pressure on general practitioners (GPs) and improve access to healthcare for patients. Pharmacists will require additional training to prescribe more complex medications, which will include treatments for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
The decision is expected to benefit around 1.5 million people who are currently unable to access certain treatments due to a shortage of GP appointments. The move is also expected to free up doctors to focus on more complex cases, such as those requiring surgery or hospital treatment.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has welcomed the decision, stating that it will 'bring benefits to patients and the NHS as a whole'. However, the British Medical Association (BMA) has expressed concerns that the move may lead to a 'two-tier system' of healthcare, where patients who can afford to see a GP are prioritised over those who cannot.
The government has argued that the move is necessary to address the growing demand for healthcare services and to improve access to treatment for patients. The plan is expected to be rolled out across the country from autumn, with pharmacies in England being given the power to prescribe more medication.
Opposition parties have also responded to the announcement, with the Labour Party stating that it 'supports the principle of expanding the role of pharmacists, but warns that the government must ensure that this does not lead to a reduction in GP services'. The Liberal Democrats have also expressed concerns, stating that the move may 'create more bureaucracy and administrative tasks for pharmacists'.