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A PAGB report has emphasised the need to empower the public to practice self-care and improve access to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to alleviate pressure on GPs and reduce NHS costs. Launched at the Labour Party Conference today, the PAGB's State of the Nation report explores the current state of self-care and OTC medicines. The report outlines 11 recommendations for the government to consider as part of its strategy to build an NHS fit for the future. It highlights that each year, at least 25 million GP appointments and 5 million A&E visits are used for self-treatable illnesses, which can be effectively managed through self-care. The report suggests that empowering individuals to utilise OTC medicines could save the NHS at least £1.7 billion per year in costs. Furthermore, it says that eliminating these appointments could save the economy an additional £350m per year, as employees would not need to take time off work for unnecessary treatments. PAGB welcomed the government's manifesto commitments to take pressure off GP surgeries by "improving access to services and treatment through new routes" and to expand the role of pharmacists.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can empower customers and pave the way for a sustainable healthcare future. By embracing OTC products, pharmacies can achieve greater freedom, stability, and enhanced profitability. In our exclusive interview with Anna Maxwell, founder and CEO of pioneering consumer healthcare company Maxwellia, we explore their game-changing pharmacy brands leading the way in self-care. Why pharmacies should embrace OTC medicines? There's never been a more critical time for pharmacies to lean into the OTC space. Right now, about 90 per cent of pharmacy income in the UK is tied to NHS funding-a model that's increasingly unsustainable.[1] We all value the NHS, but it simply can't afford to cover every treatment at the point of use indefinitely. If pharmacies could achieve even a modest shift in NHS reliance this would mean more freedom, stability, and profitability for the business. OTC medicines are the key to making that happen, offering a way to quickly provide, effective treatments that help customers while reducing the administrative and financial burdens on pharmacists.

The King's New Year Honours List 2025 has been announced, recognising unsung heroes who have made outstanding contributions to their communities across the UK. Over 1,200 individuals were honoured this year across various sectors, including healthcare, academia, sports, and voluntary service. Michelle Riddalls, CEO of PAGB - the Consumer Healthcare Association, has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for her exceptional work in advocating for the over-the-counter (OTC) medicines sector. She played a vital role during Brexit negotiations, ensuring continued access to OTC medicines in Northern Ireland and supporting self-care initiatives across the UK. Riddalls has provided oral evidence numerous times to the House of Lords Select Committee on the NI Protocol Bill and actively engaged with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) during the rollout of the Windsor Framework.

"I hope one day there will be a network of Nepali Pharmacists who can share their experiences and provide support to each other," shares Sobha Sharma Kandel, Co-Founder, CEO, and Superintendent Pharmacist of Neem Tree Health. As a daughter of Nepali Immigrants who came to the UK in the early 70's, Sobha grew up witnessing first-hand the struggle her parents went through navigating the complexities of healthcare in this country. Today as a renowned pharmacist with a profound impact on her community, her contributions reflect her deep understanding of "the challenges and barriers that the South Asian community can face". Sobha's early experiences with frequent pharmacy visits due to tonsillitis also triggered a deep fascination with medicines and their impact on improving lives. "I visited pharmacies often to buy over the counter medication and to collect my prescription for antibiotics. This triggered my fascination with medicines. "I considered Pharmacy as a career in sixth form, after I had an interesting work experience in the Pharmacy department at Hammersmith Hospital," she recalls.

Holland & Barrett, the UK's leading wellness retailer, has become the latest retailer regulatory member of PAGB, the consumer healthcare association. PAGB represents the manufacturers of branded over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, self care medical devices and food supplements in the UK. Holland & Barrett's decision to PAGB follows its recent introduction of a selected range of OTC and healthcare products in its stores across the UK. These include painkillers, cough and cold medicines, children's health essentials, hay fever relief, as well as skin and gastrointestinal products. With this expansion, the retailer aims to not only help customers to stay well, but also provide relief when needed.

On the occasion of World Sepsis Day, PAGB, the consumer healthcare association, has underscored the significant role that over-the-counter (OTC) antiseptics can play in preventing sepsis, potentially saving the NHS millions of pounds each year. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body's immune system overreacts to an infection, causing damage to tissues and organs. Early recognition and treatment are crucial, as sepsis can rapidly escalate without prompt care. Symptoms of sepsis include confusion or slurred speech, fever, severe breathlessness, blotchy or mottled skin, and a lack of urination. PAGB emphasised that using OTC medicines early on can help prevent infections from worsening and potentially leading to serious conditions like sepsis. Michelle Riddalls, CEO of PAGB, stated: "Early prevention is always the best treatment for conditions that could potentially lead to sepsis. "If you don't get the right care for sepsis quickly it can be life-threatening so it's essential to seek immediate help if you or someone else has any symptoms.

Pharmacy contractors continue to grapple with profit pressures despite many reporting significant sales revenue increases, according to Hutchings Consultants' England Pharmacy Market Update 2024. The report emphasises that gross profit margins are under considerable strain due to factors such as rising wholesale drug costs, the dispensing of certain drug lines at a loss, reduced drug tariff reimbursements, and ongoing medicine shortages. These challenges have led to a growing number of pharmacies reporting substantial declines in their profit margins this year. For instance, Cohens Chemists reported a £5.7 million loss in the last financial year, even as sales reached £253 million. Similarly, Day Lewis, the UK's second-largest independent pharmacy chain, experienced a 5.9% sales increase driven by growth in prescription dispensing, over-the-counter sales, and pharmacy services, yet faced a 32% drop in pre-tax profits due to heightened administration costs, which included inflation-driven increases in staff, energy, utilities, and rent. The average profit margin has declined to 33% in 2024, down from 34.4% the previous year.

PAGB, the prominent consumer healthcare association, has appointed a new Vice-President following the departure of Richard Holme from PAGB's Board earlier this year. Brian R. Fischel, who currently serves as Regional Director & General Manager for UK and Ireland at Reckitt, is set to take on the new Vice-President role at PAGB. Bringing extensive international experience as Vice-President at UK trade association representing manufacturers of branded over-the-counter medicines, medical devices and food supplements, Fischel has over eight years at Reckitt managing various global health territories. His election in the leadership role in June positions him alongside Bas Vorsteveld, President, and Mike Knowland, Vice President, completing PAGB's executive team. Michelle Riddalls, CEO of PAGB, expressed optimism about Brian's appointment, emphasising his alignment with PAGB's strategic objectives.