What's Happening?
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has reported its highest ever recorded number of concerns in the second quarter of 2025/2026, with 2,159 issues raised. The concerns primarily relate to customer service issues and dispensing errors, reflecting
broader pressures within the pharmacy sector. A significant portion of these concerns, 17%, were associated with online settings. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in concerns related to weight management, particularly following the price increase of Mounjaro (semaglutide) by Eli Lilly. The GPhC has closed 93% of these concerns at the initial assessment stage, while a small number have been referred for further investigation. The council has also noted ongoing issues with Jhoots pharmacies, leading to enforcement actions and inspections. The GPhC is in the process of developing a policy on the disqualification of pharmacy owners, with a draft expected in February 2026.
Why It's Important?
The surge in concerns reported to the GPhC highlights significant challenges within the pharmacy sector, particularly in customer service and dispensing accuracy. This increase in complaints could impact public trust in pharmacy services and necessitate regulatory changes. The issues with Jhoots pharmacies underscore the need for stringent oversight and accountability in pharmacy operations. The development of a disqualification policy for pharmacy owners could lead to more robust enforcement actions, ensuring compliance with standards and protecting public health. The focus on weight management concerns also reflects broader societal issues related to healthcare costs and access to medication.
What's Next?
The GPhC plans to finalize its policy on the disqualification of pharmacy owners by the summer of 2026, which could lead to significant changes in how pharmacy operations are regulated. The ongoing issues with Jhoots pharmacies may prompt further inspections and enforcement actions, potentially affecting other pharmacy chains. The GPhC's collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England suggests a coordinated effort to address these challenges. Stakeholders, including pharmacy owners and healthcare providers, will likely need to adapt to new regulatory requirements and address the root causes of the reported concerns.
