Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Deferred
Paragraph: 51
Introduce generic substitution following consultation to ensure patient safety and supply chain stability.
Recommendation
We believe that allowing generic substitution would be an important way of reducing the need for patients to return to their GP for out-of-stock medication. We further recommend the introduction of generic substitution, which should follow a government consultation focusing on how best this policy could be implemented to ensure patient safety and avoid the potential for unintended impacts on the supply chain.
Government Response Summary
The government responds by outlining its commitment to expanding the role of pharmacists and introducing prescribing services, but does not address the specific recommendation to introduce generic substitution or to consult on its implementation.
Paragraph Reference:
51
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Pharmacies play a vital role in our healthcare system. As set out in the Government’s manifesto, we are committed to expanding the role of pharmacies and to better utilising the skills of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. That includes making prescribing part of the services delivered by community pharmacists. By 2026 all newly qualified pharmacists will have a prescribing qualification, with additional investment in upskilling the existing workforce to also become independent prescribers. NHS England is currently piloting how prescribing can work in community pharmacy in all ICBs, supporting a range of conditions. These pathfinders will then inform any future decisions about the service. The recent Darzi investigation flagged that there is a huge potential for a step change in the clinical role of pharmacists within the NHS. “Expanded community pharmacy services are likely to include greater treatment of common conditions and supporting active management of hypertension”. We have launched a 10 Year Health Plan to reform the NHS and make it fit for the future. The engagement on the Ten Year Health Plan provides opportunity for gathering ideas and evidence to shape future clinical service models in community pharmacy. The plan will set out a bold agenda to deliver on the three big shifts needed to move healthcare from hospital to the community, analogue to digital, sickness to prevention. This plan will be published in the Spring 2025.