The Pharmacists Defence Association (PDA) has welcomed the government's action of publishing 'AI Regulation White Paper' which will regulate the artificial
intelligence (AI) system used in pharmacy on Wednesday (29 March).
The Association had raised concerns about the risk of patient harm due to inappropriate use of so-called AI to include that seen in some of the pharmacy systems
undertaking clinical checks.
For some time, it has been receiving concerns from practicing pharmacists describing examples of the potentially detrimental impact of automation and online pharmacy
provision on patient safety and pharmacy practice.
As a result, it raised these concerns with regulators, Chief Pharmaceutical Officers, and parliamentarians in all four nations of the UK to urge action.
It said: "This is required not only to protect patients, but also the frontline pharmacists who could be blamed for potential harm caused by inappropriate use of so
called 'AI' systems implemented by their employer."
The PDA therefore, welcomes the announcement from the UK government that they intend to strengthen regulation of such technology, empowering existing regulators to
come up with tailored, context-specific approaches that suit the way AI is actually being used in their sectors; this will include pharmacy.
In a recent announcement the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) unveiled its strategic approach to artificial intelligence (AI),
as it sets out to embrace the transformative potential of AI in healthcare regulation.
Building upon the Government's white paper 'A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation', released in 2023, the MHRA outlined five key strategic principles guiding
its adoption of AI.
These principles encompass safety, security, and robustness; appropriate transparency and explainability; fairness, accountability, and governance; and
contestability and redress.
A science-led organization, the MHRA was tasked with providing an independent view of its approach to AI in medicine and science, aligning with a government
white paper.
Recognising its role in UK's goal to be a science and tech leader by 2030, MHRA is tasked to evaluate AI's opportunities and risks across regulatory, public
service, and evidence-based decision-making area.