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The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has published a new strategy pledging to deliver equality, improve diversity and foster inclusion in all aspects of its work. The strategy was updated after a public consultation held between April and July. It's key themes are: To make regulatory decisions that are demonstrably fair, lawful, and free from discrimination and bias. To use our standards to proactively help tackle discrimination and to make sure everyone can access person-centred care, fostering equality of health outcomes.To lead by example and demonstrate best practice within our organisation, holding ourselves to the same high standards we expect of others. GPhC chair Nigel Clarke said having a strategy is vital as the pandemic has exposed "the scope and scale of inequities in society, in healthcare outcomes and in pharmacy." "Inequality and exclusion are bad for people's health. Therefore, this strategy is fundamental to our core purpose as a regulator and our vision for safe and effective pharmacy care at the heart of healthier communities."

In a rapidly evolving and competitive landscape, the pharmaceutical industry faces unique challenges when it comes to marketing its products and services. With stringent regulations, complex target audiences, and a need for trust and credibility, pharma companies need to employ effective marketing strategies to stand out in the crowd. In this blog article, we will explore some key marketing strategies for the pharma industry that can help boost their visibility, engage their target audience, and drive business growth. UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE LANDSCAPE The pharma industry operates in a highly regulated environment, where compliance and ethical considerations play a crucial role. Before diving into marketing strategies, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the industry's dynamics and the target audience. Researching the market, identifying patient needs, and studying the competitive landscape are vital steps in developing an effective marketing plan. EMBRACING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Digital transformation has revolutionized marketing across industries, and the pharma sector is no exception. Embracing digital channels and technologies can significantly enhance the reach and impact of marketing efforts. Pharma companies can leverage social media platforms, create engaging content, and build online communities to connect with patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders. Implementing robust digital marketing strategies allows for personalized messaging, real-time communication, and targeted campaigns that resonate with the target audience.

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has initiated the evaluation of its five-year strategy for changing the way it manage concerns about pharmacy professionals. It has urged people to share their experience of fitness to practice. The evaluation will look at how the strategy has improved the experience of people involved in fitness to practice (those who raise concerns, professionals, witnesses etc.); impacted the culture amongst pharmacy professionals and their attitudes to openness and honesty; improved the process and made it fairer and changed perceptions of fitness to practice. The first phase of the evaluation process will take place from July to September 2023. The council said: "We are committed to making our ambitions a reality for the benefit of everyone involved and your contribution will help us to make sure patients and the public continue to be protected while being fair to pharmacy professionals." In June 2021, GPhC published its five-year strategy- Managing concerns about pharmacy professionals: Guided by its 2030 vision and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, the strategy outlines a programme for change.

Are you feeling overwhelmed about the MCAT? You're not alone! The MCAT is a challenging test that can feel daunting for even the best students. But don't worry, this article is here to help. This blog post will discuss six clever strategies that will help you pass the MCAT successfully. Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to achieving your dream score. ENROLL IN A PREP COURSE One of the first things you should do when preparing for the MCAT is to enroll in a prep course. Keep in mind that the right MCAT prep course will provide you with the resources and support you need to succeed. Additionally, it can help to take practice tests under simulated testing conditions. This will help you get used to the format of the test and reduce your anxiety on test day. In choosing a prep course, make sure to pick one that is reputable and has a good track record. You should also make sure that the course is affordable and offers a schedule that fits your needs. If possible, you can also take practice tests that are offered by the course. This way, you can get an idea of the type of questions that will be on the test. JOIN A STUDY GROUP Many people find that studying in a group is more effective than studying alone. When you join a study group, you'll have the opportunity to discuss difficult concepts with your peers. Additionally, you'll be able to hold each other accountable and stay on track with your studies. If you're not sure where to find a study group, ask your friends or classmates if they're interested in forming one. You can also check online forums or look for groups that have already been established.

The fusion of the unique in-depth understanding of medicines by pharmacists together with the competence to prescribe offers will improve access to care and increase capacity in the health system, said the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Director for England Ravi Sharma to Parliament at the Health and Social Care Select Committee's inquiry on workforce on Monday (May 23). However, he also stated that a new workforce strategy must support and harness the skills of pharmacist independent prescribers in clinical care with investment in training, both for new and existing workforce; access to supervisors; protected learning and development time; and commissioning of services to make best use of independent prescribers across care settings, supported by appropriate prescribing budgets in community pharmacy. "We're about to see new generation of pharmacists independent prescribers that will make a huge difference to the clinical role of pharmacists to support patient care, but this must be underpinned by protected learning time and a more ambitious approach to commissioning new services to use their skills," Ravi said. He spoke to MPs in Parliament at the Health and Social Care Select Committee's inquiry on workforce, highlighting the vital contribution of pharmacy teams during the pandemic and called for action to support the current and future workforce. Some of the key issues highlighted in the parliament included, the risk of burnout and the need to help boost staff retention; staff wellbeing, including a zero tolerance of abuse from the public; the importance of professional development and protected learning time to enhance patient care and support rewarding careers; the potential of new pharmacist independent prescribers and the need for investment in the current workforce and the need for better workforce data and a pharmacy workforce strategy.

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has promoted Louise Edwards to the position of Chief Strategy Officer and Deputy Registrar. Louise is currently the Director of Regulation and Digital Transformation at the Electoral Commission, responsible for the organisation's regulatory work and digital, data, technology and facilities infrastructure. This includes funding and spending at elections and referendums, registering political parties, enforcement work, and data and information management. Louise will take over Mark Voce, the GPhC's current Chief Strategy Officer and Deputy Registrar, who is retiring early in July 2024. Louise said: "Pharmacy services are at the heart of health care for many people. Having effective regulation and standards in place can transform and give confidence in the quality of care that people receive.

A new report based on research from pharmacists across England by Sanofi, has called for the introduction of a 'national self-care strategy' to relieve the burden currently faced by health services. The new report, titled 'Driving a self-care revolution in the UK', explores the views of pharmacists, patients and doctors on self-care and the support needed to deliver it more effectively. While self-care policy measures are estimated to increase monetary savings for healthcare systems and national economies by 16%, this report highlights the right tools and resources are not yet in place to enable pharmacists to play a greater role in delivering self-care advice and medicines to patients. "As many as 77% of pharmacists said they would support the creation of a National Self-Care Strategy to provide national leadership on improving understanding of self-care and encourage its use among both patients and clinicians," the report said. According to the report, currently, 33% of pharmacists working for independent or small pharmacy chains do not have the resources to support patients with self-care, alongside their other roles. "To tackle this, close to half (45%) of pharmacists believe greater emphasis by primary care practitioners on the benefits of self-care would leave pharmacists in a better place to support patients. Similarly, 42% believe that training and recruiting more pharmacists would improve their capacity to deliver self-care advice."

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has introduced a new prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC) for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) which is said to benefit around 400,000 women who suffer from negative symptoms of the menopause in England. PPC will be rolled-out from 1 April and it reduce the HRT costs to less than £20 a year. Women prescribed HRT - the main treatment for menopause symptoms - will have access to a new scheme enabling access to a year's worth of menopause prescription items for the cost of two single prescription charges (currently £18.70). As part of commitments to reduce the cost of HRT for menopausal women, the prescription PPC will be valid for 12 months. It can be used against a list of HRT prescription items, and a patient can use this against an unlimited number of HRT items, such as patches, tablets and topical preparations. There will be no limit to how many times the certificate can be used while it is valid. "The introduction of the certificate delivers one of our year one priorities for the Women's Health Strategy for England. Published last summer, the strategy sets out an ambitious new agenda for improving the health and wellbeing of women and girls and to improve how the health and care system listens to women. Menopause was announced as a priority area within the strategy," said DHSC.

Your gut, often referred to as your "second brain," plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. From digestion to immunity, mood regulation to nutrient absorption, the gut impacts various aspects of our daily lives. With increasing awareness of the gut-brain connection, prioritizing gut health has become a cornerstone of holistic wellness. In this article, we explore effective strategies to support and nurture your gut, empowering you to enhance your quality of life through simple yet impactful practices. Nourish with Probiotic-Rich Foods The gut microbiome, comprised of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, is a dynamic ecosystem essential for digestive health and immune function. To maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet is paramount. Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha are excellent sources of beneficial bacteria that promote gut diversity and resilience. These fermented foods not only replenish your gut with probiotics but also provide essential nutrients and enzymes vital for optimal digestion. By regularly including probiotic foods in your meals, you can foster a thriving gut microbiome, fortifying your body's natural defenses against pathogens and inflammation.

We invite you to join our complimentary 1-hour Pain Management Webinar, meticulously crafted to equip you and your team with essential strategies for understanding, addressing, and alleviating pain in your patients' lives. This webinar will delve into various topics, including the evolving role of pharmacists in pain management, the significance of timely intervention, and initiatives like Haleon's #ListenToPain campaign Pain is a universal experience, with nearly everyone encountering it at some point in their lives. Whether it's acute or chronic, pain can significantly diminish the quality of life and hinder daily activities. Understanding the multifaceted nature of pain is crucial in developing effective management strategies.

Leading pharmaceutical wholesaler Lexon UK has completed a £60 million refinancing deal with HSBC UK to help meet its growth targets in 2022 and beyond. The asset based lending facility will support Lexon's business strategy, including capital expenditure in areas such as new technology and business development. Founded in 1995, the Redditch-based supplier has distribution centres in Leeds, Durham and Dublin, supporting thousands of independent pharmacies. Nimesh Sodha, director at Lexon, said: "We are delighted to have completed this deal - it will help Lexon grow and continue to support independent pharmacies across the UK, as we have done for many years, in fresh and exciting ways.

Community Pharmacy England, Company Chemists Association, and the National Pharmacy Association have all expressed their disappointment at a recent press statement made by Dr Leyla Hannbeck, Chief Executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies. The CPE, CCA and NPA refuted AIMp's claim that pharmacy bodies operate independently, emphasising the importance of employing various channels and strategies to shape public policy. "It makes sense to use a variety of channels and tactics to influence public policy," NPA, CPE and CCA said in a joint statement issued on Wednesday (August 13). "Limiting our work to just one Parliamentary channel would be naive and do a disservice to pharmacy owners." On Aug. 12, AIMp highlighted that a lack of cohesion was one of the contributing factors to the sector's difficulty in gaining wider attention. Dr. Hannbeck argued that it's counterproductive for each pharmacy organisation to maintain its own manifesto, essentially a lengthy wish-list that is often unrealistic and unattainable. "This can conveniently allow those in power to easily employ a divide-and-conquer strategy," she said.

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has offered a new resource to help countries self-assess readiness of their regulations to enable pharmacist-delivered vaccination services and, where needed, to implement such regulations. Developed by FIP's Regulators Advisory Group, it covers broad pharmacist-led roles related to vaccination from supply chain management to administration and prescribing. "This new resource from FIP is based on the experiences of professional regulators in countries where pharmacy-led vaccination has been successfully introduced and regulated. With it, we aim to support regulators, policymakers and national organisations in developing strategies or enabling regulatory frameworks in countries where the pharmacy workforce has a limited role in vaccination strategies so that it can contribute further to the global imperative of improving immunisation coverage," said Brett Simmonds, group chair. The "Pharmacy-led vaccination services: Regulatory self-assessment and implementation tool" aims to help identify strengths and areas for improvement in order to inform vaccination policy and planning efforts.

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) will launch a new influencing campaign to build wider political support for community pharmacies this week. The campaign aims to ensure that MPs and Peers across Parliament understand the risks to pharmacy services that the current pressures on the sector are causing. In a Parliamentary event held today (Tuesday 15 November) MPs and Peers heard from PSNC, LPC and other pharmacy bodies about the current situation. PSNC briefed them on the urgent need for action to address the pressures on the sector. The committee will be working with LPCs and contractors to organise a series of pharmacy visits for key Parliamentarians including Minsters, Committee and APPG Members. This is happening alongside work to develop a new vision and strategy for the community pharmacy sector, all of which is part of PSNC's strategy to lay the ground for future CPCF negotiations.

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has commissioned Nuffield Trust and The King's Fund to develop a new vision and strategic options for community pharmacy. The report is expected to be published in early summer next year, to underpin the future strategy for the sector. It will also support negotiations between PSNC and policymakers as the current five-year Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) comes to an end. Those negotiations will decide what happens after April 2024, and they will be critical to the future of the sector. The development of a compelling vision and an effective strategy for community pharmacy was a key recommendation from the Pharmacy Representation Review Steering Group (RSG). It forms one of the workstreams of the Transforming Pharmacy Representation Programme (TAPR) currently being undertaken by PSNC. But it is also a project that PSNC wants to undertake anyway to help lay the foundations for those crucial upcoming negotiations.

Perrigo, one of the world's largest providers of self-care products has appointed Ronald van Workum as Sales Director Germany, Customer Strategy & Implementation DACH Cluster. van Workum will continue to drive the successful integration of HRA Pharma into the Perrigo network, with a focus on well-known brands such as Abtei, Compeed and Granu Fink. He most recently held the position of Head of Key Account Management for Perrigo in Europe, based in the Netherlands. Prior to joining Perrigo he worked for Procter & Gamble in several countries, including Singapore, and in various functions, including: Market Strategy Planning Manager for the Gillette brand; and in Europe as multifunctional Team Leader Emerging Channels. The company also announced Tobias Geiger has been promoted from his role as Finance Director of the Perrigo DACH Cluster, which he held since April 2020, to General Manager of the Perrigo DACH Cluster. During this time, he successfully supported the implementation and stabilisation of the DACH cluster. He also led several business optimisations with his teams, such as the implementation of SAP in Switzerland, process digitalisation and the creation of a DACH Finance Business Partner Model. Before joining Perrigo, Geiger worked for Sanofi for more than 10 years in various leadership positions in DACH and in Latin America.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has invited views of healthcare professionals and others to tackle the six major health conditions which drive-ill health and contribute to the burden of disease in England. The six major health conditions - cancer; cardiovascular diseases including stroke and diabetes; chronic respiratory diseases; dementia; mental ill-health and musculoskeletal disorders - affect millions of people in England with data showing that one in four suffer from two or more of these major long-term conditions. Recognising the pressure these conditions are putting on the NHS, the government is seeking views on a new strategy to tackle them that will focus not only on treatment but also on prevention. Government is particularly interested in hearing from those who suffer from, care for or provide treatment to people who suffer from multiple long-term conditions. This is to ensure the Major Conditions Strategy is one that will better prevent, diagnose, manage and treat these conditions. Contributions are also encouraged from those working in NHS bodies, local government, the voluntary and community sector, and wider industry, on how best to tackle suffering from one or more of these major conditions. Particularly, it is seeking perspectives on how government and the NHS can work better together with different organisations and sectors to improve the nation's health.

The UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has signed a new US$10 million (7.8 million pounds) grant agreement with global non-profit organisation, FIND. This extends the UK government's support to FIND through the Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) for another four years. FIND recently announced the GAMRIF funding, which will be used to support its three-pronged strategy to prevent AMR emergence and halt its development. Dr Cassandra Kelly-Cirino, Vice President, Health Programmes at FIND, said: "Lack of essential diagnostics that can be accessed by people when and where they are needed is jeopardizing global efforts to combat AMR everywhere. We are grateful to GAMRIF for the continued support as we work in partnership on this multi-faceted strategy to save lives."

Recently, the English Health Secretary has talked about introducing a 'Pharmacy First' model similar to that which exists in Scotland. This would be a win-win outcome providing people with better access to essential healthcare support, advice and treatment whilst relieving strain on other parts of the NHS, not least GPs and A&E. It is a no-brainer and yet despite a few media headlines there are still no firm proposals on the table to make this a reality. It surely cannot be right that you can receive a broad range of patient care services in Scotland which are not available in England. It works well in Scotland, Wales is keen to develop more pharmacy-based services and Northern Ireland, leaving aside the current funding dispute, has had a minor ailments service for many years. If the English Health Secretary is sincere in his interest in adopting an English version of the Scottish model, then there are critical aspects he needs to consider. Firstly, start with the patient journey through the healthcare ecosystem from illness prevention through to long-term condition management. What is the role of community pharmacy and how do we guide people to seek support from the most appropriate healthcare professional? What is the vision for community pharmacy delivering patient care in the next decade? The lesson from Scotland is that the government needs to sit down with the sector and map that out together. There are no quick fix overnight solutions. This needs to be a long-term commitment backed by adequate funding. Supervision regulations need to change and there needs to be a thought through workforce strategy which avoids community pharmacy shortages as that does nothing to deliver improved patient outcomes.

Superdrug, one of the leading health and beauty retailers, is all set to invest in 25 new stores this year, expanding its bricks-and-mortar retail footprint. It confirmed with Pharmacy Business that amongst its 25 new stores there "will be a mix of pharmacy and retail stores". The venture is expected to create over 570 jobs nationwide, creating a seamless customer experience and providing vital support for high streets and local communities. The investment, part of the brand's O+O (Online + Offline) platform strategy to deliver its omnichannel ambitions, is driven by continued strong performance figures. In Q4 2022 Superdrug reported increased volume and value sales and footfall across both sides of the beauty and health business. Whilst in 2021 revenue rose 5.1% to £1,168million with a profit before tax increase of 141.3%. The investment strategy has already seen Superdrug open new stores in Washington Gallery and Falkirk Retail Parks in February 2023 and in Braehead, the largest Superdrug in Scotland, just last month.