Details of DoH control of entry proposals published
Full details of the Government's proposals to reform the control of entry regulations were released last week.
The consultation
document — “Proposals to reform and modernise
the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 1992 — was published
in response to the Office of Fair Trading’s report into control
of entry. The new document expands on the Government’s announcement
in July that it would reject the OFT call for deregulation at this time
and instead produce a balanced package of measures.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: “I am delighted to announce
publication of our consultation document setting out in more detail the
changes we propose to bring in to the current regulations — and
the ideas we have for further modernising the current system — on
NHS community pharmacy services.” She added: “I know how
keenly the NHS and community pharmacy have waited for this consultation.
It is very important that we hear their views on our proposals and more
widely too — from patients, consumers and those with expertise
in making regulations work better in today’s world.”
A new advisory group is being set up to advise the Government on how
to implement the changes. It will be chaired by Anne Galbraith, the chairman
of the Prescription Pricing Authority. Mrs Galbraith commented: “Pharmacies
play a critical part in the health of the nation and this modernising
work will ensure this continues to be the case.”
A 12-week consultation period on the document will last until 21 November.
It appears that the proposals will not affect pharmacists in Scotland
and Wales. After the Government’s first announcement in July, both
devolved administrations confirmed that it is not
their intention to deregulate (PJ, 26 July, p114).
Leading article, p284
News feature, p293 |
