Branded medicines levy cut under statutory scheme The Department of Health and Social Care said that the new 16.5% levy, a fall from the previous year’s 24.3%, will take effect from 1 July 2026.…
NHS-funded community independent prescribing announced as part of pharmacy contract Under the ‘Community pharmacy contractual framework’ for 2026/2027, the Department of Health and Social Care said pharmacists with independent prescribing qualifications will be able to “assess patients and prescribe medicines directly”.…
CPE committee minutes reveal concerns over proposed regulatory changes following Jhoots failures Members of a Community Pharmacy England committee said regulatory changes should not be made until it is made clear that they were “needed and would address the issues”.…
MHRA is ‘exploring legislative actions’ to restrict paracetamol sales, says health minister Health minister Preet Kaur Gill said that the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency took the disproportionate sale of paracetamol seriously.…
James Murray appointed as health secretary The appointment follows that of Preet Kaur Gill, Labour MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, as health minister on 12 May 2026.…
Pharmacy sector warns of ‘more uncertainty’ as Wes Streeting resigns as health secretary Having “lost confidence” in the prime minister's leadership, Wes Streeting‘s letter to Keir Starmer highlighted a lack of vision and direction.…
Pharmacy bodies call for urgent action on menopause care A consensus statement endorsed by the Royal College of Pharmacy has warned that “there remains significant unmet need” regarding clear, evidence-based guidance and advice on menopause.…
Government is reviewing enforcement mechanisms on medicines shortages reporting In its response to a House of Lords Public Services Committee report on medicines security, the Department of Health and Social Care said it hoped to improve compliance and timeliness of shortage reporting.…
PJ view: Medicines security must become a national priority The government must take further urgent action to shore up medicines supply in the face of ongoing geo-political instability.…
Pharmacy contract for 2026/2027 delayed Community Pharmacy England said that it is “not yet clear” when negotiations will conclude.…
