News: Pharmacies to supply gluten-free foods at no charge

The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7169 p495-500
13 October 2001

Pharmacies to supply gluten-free foods at no charge

Community pharmacies in England are to be required to supply gluten-free foods on the National Health Service to eligible patients without prescriptions if a Department of Health proposal is accepted. The proposal arises from a Cabinet Office report earlier this year on reducing the amount of GPs’ paperwork (PJ, 12 May, p637).

Initially, GPs are to give forms to eligible patients which they will have to show when seeking gluten-free foods from pharmacies. The forms are to be a short-term measure, pending the issue of permanent certificates of eligibility. Pharmacies will be supplied with special forms to be completed when supplies are made. These forms will have space for declarations by patients or their representatives that the food being obtained is for personal consumption. Pharmacy staff will not be permitted to make these declarations on any patient’s behalf. The reverse of the forms will be used for declarations of exemption from prescription charges for patients who are entitled to exemption.

The scheme is to be introduced by an amendment to the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 1992 which will require all NHS contracted pharmacies to make supplies on request. Pharmacies will not be required to stock all items at all times, but will be required to provide supplies reasonably promptly. Only gluten-free foods included in the Drug Tariff will be available under the scheme, with the exclusion of low-protein gluten-free products.

Reimbursement will be at Drug Tariff rates though the Prescription Pricing Authority. The Department and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee are currently involved in negotiations over fees to be paid to pharmacists under the scheme.

Consultation on the proposal closed on 12 October 2001.