GPhC to take greater control of pharmacy inspections

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is moving towards becoming the principal regulator responsible for pharmacy inspections by the end of next year.

New government proposals will see the GPhC take responsibility for all inspections except in certain limited circumstances, in response to concerns raised by pharmacy received through the Red Tape Challenge.

This will be achieved through more joined-up working with a set of memoranda of understanding agreed between the GPhC and the other regulators and authorities, while a partial impact assessment has been published that gives estimates of the costs and benefits involved.

The aim is to have revised responsible pharmacist legislation in place by the end of 2014.

Health minister Lord Howe said: "We need a modern approach to pharmacy regulation which maintains patient safety but also improves quality and professional development."

The GPhC is responsible for the independent regulation of over 70,000 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises in England, Scotland and Wales.