General Pharmaceutical Council Reports Record Number of Concerns Amid Sector Pressures
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. 
