The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 274 No 7343 p383
2 April 2005

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Rural agreement in force

An agreement to resolve the long-standing dispute between pharmacists and doctors over dispensing in rural areas was implemented this week.

The agreement came into effect on 1 April with the implementation of the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2005. The Regulations will underpin the new pharmacy contract.

Under the new agreement, doctors will not be allowed to apply to dispense from any premises that are within 1.6km of a pharmacy.

In return for this, pharmacies have relinquished the right to additional contracts without having to prove that they will not financially undermine the ability of local doctors to provide proper medical services.


News feature p386