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Proposals to reform and modernise the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 1992

Consultation on Government proposals for reform in response to the Office of Fair Trading's recommendation to abolish the current controls on pharmacies dispensing NHS prescriptions, set out in the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 1992. Whilst accepting the OFT had made a strong case for reform, the Government did not believe simple deregulation was the best way to achieve those aims, given the current shortages of pharmacists and a desire to see a new and strong role for pharmacy in the modern NHS. Instead the Government wished to move cautiously in the direction recommended by the OFT. The Government therefore set out a balanced package of measures that will continue to raise standards for patients, will support the needs of small businesses, and will do so without jeopardising the vital role played by community pharmacies particularly in poorer and rural areas.

• Download proposals (PDF, 236K)
• Advisory Group on the Reform of the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 1992 (opens new window)