A BBC investigation has found 20 UK online pharmacies selling prescription-only medicines without adhering to the regulatory standards, such as checking
for GP approval or patient's medical records.
The news organisation was able to purchase over 1,600 restricted pills, including anti-anxiety drug, painkiller and sleeping medication, from these regulated
online pharmacies easily by providing false information.
However, the report didn't mention the names of the drugs as "they can be dangerous when taken without medical guidance."
Some pharmacies were also found selling high-risk and potentially addictive medicines, including benzodiazepines and antidepressants, based on online questionnaires
and did not require further checks.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which regulate online pharmacies in the UK, states that selling and supplying medicines at a distance brings
"different risks which need to be appropriately managed to protect patient safety."
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is doubling down on its efforts to combat online pharmacy frauds, emphasising innovation,
eradication of legacy systems, and cybersecurity in its updated technology roadmap.
The online sale of medicines and medical devices is a "growing phenomenon offering convenience, anonymity, and lower prices " for the public.
However the lack of robust cyber monitoring also "poses significant risks", as many online pharmacies are "unregulated, illegal, or fraudulent."
According to the MHRA's recent report highlighting the impact of artificial intelligence on the regulation of medical products, the strategic themes
of "fundamental to the successful deployment of AI" are essential for protecting consumers from fraudulent medical products.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that there has been a continued increase in cases of whooping cough (pertussis) across England since
the start of this year.
According to new data published by the agency on Thursday (7 March), 553 new cases of whooping cough were confirmed in January alone, compared with 858 cases
for the whole of last year (2023).
The country is witnessing a surge in whooping cough cases after a prolonged period of low case numbers, attributed to restrictions and reduced social interaction
during the COVID-19 pandemic. England recorded the highest number of whooping cough cases in 2016, recording 5,949 cases.
As the ongoing rise coincides with a steady decline in the vaccination rates among pregnant women and children, UKHSA has strongly encouraged mums-to-be to get
the maternal pertussis vaccine so that their young baby is protected against this serious disease.
The Professional Pharmacists Association (PDA) has demanded efforts to secure greater support and recognition for community pharmacists from governmental
bodies.
In its written evidence provided to the Health and Social Care select committee's pharmacy inquiry, the PDA raised concerns about the well-being of pharmacists,
specifically for those who belong to minority ethnic groups and race and are subjected to bullying, harassment, and ill-treatment.
The association highlighted issues in the workplace that impact pharmacists' health and well-being, including chronic understaffing, sub-standard working
environments, an absence of protected training time, and experiences of racism, violence, and abuse.
Parallel to the PDA's advocacy, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is intensifying calls for prioritising workforce wellbeing within the pharmacy domain.
Stressing the pivotal role of workforce retention in addressing current challenges, RPS emphasises the need for robust support mechanisms and equitable access
to mental health services.
Navigating the complex world of medical insurance can often feel overwhelming, with a myriad of plans, coverage options, and terminologies to understand.
However, being well-informed about medical insurance is crucial to making educated decisions that ensure you and your loved ones are adequately protected in times
of health emergencies.
This blog aims to demystify some of the essential aspects of medical insurance, providing you with 6 crucial pieces of information that everyone should know.
Whether you're purchasing your first policy or looking to better understand your current plan, this guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge needed
to make informed choices about your healthcare coverage.
Expat Options
For expatriates living and working away from their home countries, having reliable medical insurance is not just important-it's essential. Navigating healthcare
systems in a foreign country can be daunting, and without proper coverage, the financial implications of medical emergencies can be severe. For example, in Dubai
medical insurance for your wife's dependents is mandatory, and in the United States, medical bills can easily rack up into the thousands for even minor treatments.
Therefore, expats should research their options carefully and ensure that they have comprehensive coverage that meets their specific needs.
A new bill was introduced to Parliament on Wednesday (20 March) to prohibit the sale of tobacco to children under the age of 15, delivering on the
Prime Minister's commitment to create a smokefree generation.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to protect future generations from the harmful impacts of smoking, thereby saving thousands of lives and billions of pounds
for the NHS.
The bill will also introduce new powers to restrict vape flavours and packaging deliberately targeted towards children, as well as allow the government to
change how they are displayed in shops, moving them out of sight of children and away from products that appeal to them, like sweets.
Additionally, enforcement officers' powers will be strengthened with 'on the spot fines' of £100 to ensure compliance with the new laws. This complements
the existing maximum fine of £2,500 that local authorities can already impose. It will also become illegal to provide free samples of vapes to children under
the age of 18.
The UK government has decided to ban disposable vapes to tackle the rise in youth vaping and protect children's health, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
announced on Sunday (28 January 2024) during a visit to a school.
Official figures revealed that the number of children using vapes has tripled in the past three years, with nine per cent of 11 - to 15-year-olds now affected
by this rising trend.
Disposable vapes are believed to be mainly driving the worrisome rise in youth vaping, with the number of 11- to 17-year-old vapers using disposables estimated
to have increased by almost ninefold in the last two years.
Sunak said: "As any parent or teacher knows, one of the most worrying trends at the moment is the rise in vaping among children, and so we must act before it
becomes endemic.
"The long-term impacts of vaping are unknown and the nicotine within them can be highly addictive, so while vaping can be a useful tool to help smokers quit,
marketing vapes to children is not acceptable."
For the first time, Covid-19 vaccines will be available for purchase from pharmacies in Britain from April 1.
As revealed by The Times, Boots is set to launch a private vaccination service next week to ensure that people "remain ready to respond to this constantly
evolving and unpredictable virus."
Under the NHS national immunization programme (NIP), Covid booster vaccines are only offered to those at high risk, including over-65s or patients with weakened
immune systems.
From April 1, anyone aged 12 or over can get the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at 50 Boots stores for £98.95.
While it's highly unlikely for healthier young adults to experience severe Covid-19, getting the single-dose vaccine can protect them from discomforting symptoms
like coughs and sore throats.
A spokesperson for Boots told the publication that their private service is the extension of their existing delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations for the NHS.
Several pharmacies have joined the inhaler recycling scheme in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, to support NHS England's Greener NHS programme, which aims
to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
It is part of a collaborative working initiative between the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and AstraZeneca UK Ltd, supported by the Black Country Integrated Care
Board and Wolverhampton City Local Pharmaceutical Committee.
Under this scheme, old and used inhalers are recycled and transformed into new products, such as coat hangers and waste bins.
Simon Evans, group chief strategy officer for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, emphasised the importance of prioritising the reduction of carbon footprint while
maintaining high-quality care, to protect the planet for future generations.
"The Trust has already made significant achievements in several areas including the physical estate, clinical services, waste recycling, catering and
medicines - with this inhaler recycling scheme from pharmacy being the latest string to our bow," he said.
The outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) in the UK, which is associated with contaminated eye gels imported from India, has led to the death of
one person, and many others falling ill, according to a government report.
Bcc is a group of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that are widely found within the environment. Although it rarely causes infection, it can result in severe ones in
individuals with compromised immune systems and those living with cystic fibrosis, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
Between January 2023 and February 2024, there were 52 confirmed and six probable cases across the UK linked to the bacteria outbreak, as revealed in the Health
Protection Report published by UKHSA.
Forty-one of these cases were hospital inpatients, 38 of which were in critical-care settings.
Twenty-five cases were considered to have "clinically significant infections attributable to Bcc", out of which 11 had eye infections, nine had respiratory
infections and four had bacteremia (bacteria entering the bloodstream).
Two individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) were infected, and while one was treated, the other died, with the report indicating Bcc infection to have "contributed
to the death."
Leading health and beauty retailer Superdrug on Monday announced that it has selected on-demand delivery network Gophr to provide its pharmacy delivery
service, following a rigorous Request for Information (RFI) process.
This means Gophr will be responsible for delivering prescriptions across the UK to people who choose Superdrug to provide their medication.
Superdrug's decision to choose Gophr was influenced significantly by the latter's strong Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), its adept ability to track and
trace all home deliveries digitally from store to door, and its commitment to offering a best-in-class doorstep experience.
According to the retailer, multiple layers of protection are implemented during delivery to uphold standards, ensuring that prescription medicines are handed
directly to the intended recipients.
Graham Smith, strategic account director at Gophr, highlighted the growing importance of pharmaceutical delivery, especially as pharmacists are now able to
provide even more services under Pharmacy First scheme.
Asbestos poisoning is a serious health concern that can have long-lasting effects on your well-being. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to various health
issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. If you suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos or are experiencing symptoms related to asbestos
poisoning, it's crucial to take immediate action.
1. Recognize the Symptoms
The first step in dealing with asbestos poisoning is to recognize the symptoms. Common signs of asbestos exposure include shortness of breath, persistent coughing,
chest pain, and fatigue. Additionally, you may experience respiratory issues such as wheezing or difficulty breathing. Exploring the use of asbestos at Honeywell
in Massachusetts can help you get a better understanding of the potential risks associated with asbestos exposure and the importance of taking proactive measures
to protect yourself and your loved ones from its harmful effects. It's essential to pay attention to any changes in your health and seek medical attention if you
suspect asbestos exposure.
The government will on Thursday launch a drive to boost childhood vaccination rates, health authorities said, seeking an "urgent reversal" to a fall in
uptake as the country faces a worsening measles outbreak.
Routine childhood immunisations in Britain for diseases including measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria and polio, have been falling gradually over the past
decade, but dipped more sharply after the Covid-19 pandemic, mirroring a global decline.
Last year UNICEF said people worldwide had lost confidence in the importance of routine childhood vaccines during the pandemic, with misinformation, dwindling
trust in governments and political polarisation contributing to rising hesitancy.
Britons will begin seeing adverts from next week across various media, including a television campaign featuring children reminding parents of the risk of missing
out on vaccinations, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
"We need an urgent reversal of the decline in the uptake of childhood vaccinations to protect our communities," UKHSA chief executive Jenny Harries said in a
statement.
NHS England has agreed to offer an additional payment of £2.50 per jab if pharmacies would be willing to extend the duration of their COVID-19 vaccination
contract until 31st August 2024.
Pharmacies currently providing the autumn vaccination are asked to let their local commissioner know, by 22nd February 2024, if they can provide cover for a
potential Spring booster programme, if the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises in their guidance expected to be published soon.
NHS figures showed that more than 3,500 community pharmacies signed the contract to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations between 1 September 2023 and 31 March 2024, as
part of the autumn booster programme.
The health service is hoping that most of these pharmacies will be able to continue to support the Spring campaign, which will run from 1 April 2024 to 31st
August 2024, to help protect the nation's most vulnerable populations.
For the Spring campaign only, pharmacies would be offered an extra £2.50 per jab in addition to the existing item of service fee of £7.54, NHS England said.
Achieving and maintaining healthy-looking skin is a journey that requires dedication and a well-rounded approach. Our skin, the largest organ in our body,
deserves the utmost care to thrive. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into a step-by-step approach that encompasses various aspects of skincare,
from daily routines to advanced treatments. Discover the secrets to a radiant complexion that not only looks good but also reflects your overall well-being.
Establish a Consistent Daily Routine
A consistent daily skincare routine is the bedrock for achieving and maintaining healthy skin. This foundational step involves a series of carefully chosen
products and practices that work together to nourish, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. Begin your routine with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and prepare
your skin for subsequent products. Follow this with a balancing toner to restore your skin's pH and create an optimal environment for absorption. Integrate a
quality moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its natural barrier. Don't overlook the importance of sunscreen in the morning to shield your skin
from the harmful effects of UV rays. This daily ritual not only provides essential nutrients for your skin but also establishes a preventive measure against
environmental stressors, setting the stage for a radiant and healthy complexion.
In a collaborative effort, the National Health Services England (NHSE) is set to deliver the RSV(respiratory syncytial virus) vaccination programme where
pharmacists alongside other healthcare professionals will play a crucial role in administering the vaccine.
The UK Health Security Agency has announced the launch of the new vaccination programme targeting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), set to begin on 1 September
2024.
Along with GPs, NHS England (NHSE) will "commission a number of community pharmacies to deliver the programme", ensuring broad accessibility and coverage to protect
two high-risk groups: older adults and pregnant women.
RSV is an RNA virus related to mumps, measles, and human parainfluenza viruses.
It commonly causes coughs and colds in winter, transmitted through droplets and secretions from close contact with infected individuals.
While most RSV infections are mild, infants under six months and the elderly are particularly susceptible to severe diseases like bronchiolitis and pneumonia,
which can lead to hospitalisation.
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect women from cervical cancer, which claims nearly two lives daily in England, according to NHS England.
Therefore, all women and those with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are encouraged to attend cervical screening when invited.
Sadly, 3 in 10 of those eligible for cervical screening do not take up the potentially life-saving offer, as revealed by the NHS Cervical Screening Programme,
England 2022-2023 annual report.
Pharmacist Thorrun Govind, also a Healthcare Lawyer (Brabners LLP), underscores the significant role pharmacists and pharmacy teams can play in promoting cervical
cancer screening.
The former Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in England told Pharmacy Business: "Pharmacists and pharmacy teams are a trusted part of the local
community. They therefore have a key part in promoting cervical cancer screening."
Immunoglobulin G, or IgG, is the most abundant type of antibody found in the blood that protect us from bacterial and viral infections. Let's dive deep into the world of IgG and find how it works. Read More.
FDA budget requests $4.7 billion
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requesting a budget of $4.7 billion to protect and promote the public health as part of the President's fiscal year (FY) 2014 budget. Industry user fees would fund 94 percent of the proposed budget increase, including new fees to support the landmark Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and strengthen the FDA's ability to oversee imported food.
The remainder of the budget increases would support programs which are necessary to preserve the safety of medical products and meet the agency's growing duties. Recognizing the need for fiscal constraint, the budget includes spending cuts in several areas, including a $15 million decrease in budget authority for human drug, biologics, and medical device programs.
