Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

GPhC to consult on new registration route for international pharmacists in 2025

GPhC to consult on new registration route for international pharmacists in 2025
"Our Council has listened and decided to propose one single route for all non-EEA/EFTA internationally-qualified pharmacists," Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the GPhC, announced.

In response to stakeholder feedback, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is developing a streamlined, single route to registration that will replace the current multiple-pathway system for overseas pharmacists wishing to practice in Great Britain.

This revised approach will include updated standards for the education and training of internationally qualified pharmacists, with all applicants still required to pass a registration assessment.


The GPhC's Council intends to streamline the registration pathway, reducing the two-year process to one-year process.

This new pathway will encompass both university study and in-practice training.

Historically, pharmacists qualified within the European Economic Area (EEA) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) have been eligible for qualification recognition in Great Britain.

While this recognition has been extended until September 2028, the future requirement for EEA-qualified pharmacists to undergo the new registration route remains contingent on forthcoming government decisions.

Initially, the GPhC had explored the development of three distinct registration routes for internationally-qualified pharmacists, "however decided to change this proposed approach after considering feedback from stakeholders."

The extensive feedback highlighted concerns regarding fairness and inclusivity in the original proposal, leading to a reassessment and the decision to pursue a unified, one-year pathway.

Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the GPhC, emphasised the Council's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity.

"While stakeholders generally welcomed the reduction in time and cost, concerns were raised about fairness.

Additionally, Rudkin stated that the GPhC would also be focusing their efforts "at this point on taking forward the one-year programme, because a significant proportion of overseas applicants are applying from countries such as India, Pakistan and Nigeria, who would need to complete a one-year programme.

“We also intend that shortening the course from two years to one year, once implemented, will significantly reduce the burden for internationally-qualified pharmacists and help to increase the pharmacist workforce in the long-term"

Looking ahead, the GPhC will further refine the details of this proposed approach, alongside drafting updated standards for the education and training of internationally-qualified pharmacists.

A public consultation on these proposals is slated for 2025, with the changes to the Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP) expected no earlier than September 2026.

In addition to this, the GPhC is considering a similar review for internationally-qualified pharmacy technicians, focusing on a shorter registration route based on prior learning.

More For You

​The next generation of BD Rowa Smart launched

The latest BD Rowa™ Smart introduces a more intuitive user interface.

Photo credit: BD Rowa

BD Rowa unveils next-generation smart dispensing robot with sustainable design

Leading medical technology company BD Rowa has announced the launch of the next generation of its smart dispensing robot, offering enhanced convenience with a sustainable design.

Currently in its final development phase, the latest BD Rowa™ Smart introduces a more intuitive user interface designed to streamline operations and enhance the user experience.

Keep ReadingShow less
Independent Prescribing: Government aims to complete pathfinder programme evaluation by autumn 2025

Pharmacist prescribers at 210 ‘pathfinder’ sites were allowed to trial prescribing models within integrated primary care services.

Photo credit: gettyimages

Independent prescribing: Pathfinder programme evaluation to be completed by autumn, says Kinnock

Health minister Stephen Kinnock has revealed that the evaluation of the Community Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Pathfinder Programme could be completed by Autumn 2025.

Kinnock was responding to a question from James Naish, Labour MP for Rushcliffe, who asked what steps the minister was taking to ensure continued support for the Pathfinder Programme and independent prescribing to maximise direct prescribing capacity in England.

Keep ReadingShow less
NHS pharmacy funding not enough 2025: £3.073B deal with £1.99B gap fuels reform debate.

Funding alone isn’t going to be enough to save community pharmacy

Photo credit: gettyimages

New funding contract ‘not enough’ to release the sector from financial blackhole

After almost a year without an agreement, a new funding contract for community pharmacy was finally announced yesterday (31 March).

The settlement raises the baseline annual funding for the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) in 2025/26 to £3.073 billion, with an additional £215 million secured to continue Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Recovery Plan services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Free morning-after pill at pharmacies to end postcode lottery for patients

Pharmacy technicians will be allowed to supply of drospirenone for contraception under PGD,

gettyimages

Pharmacy contract: Free morning-after pill to be available at pharmacies soon

The UK government has announced that, for the first time ever, the ‘morning-after pill’ or emergency contraceptive pill will be available free of charge at pharmacies on the NHS, ending the postcode lottery women face in accessing the medicine and reducing inequalities.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed a record £3.073 billion funding package for community pharmacies in 2025/26, alongside an additional £215 million to sustain Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Recovery Plan services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Royal College status: The PDA calls for ‘meaningful and collaborative dialogue’

The profession’s success will depend on collaboration across all sectors, says PDA.

gettyimages

Royal College vote: Less than 7% of GB pharmacists in favour, says PDA

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has criticised the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) for moving too quickly to a ballot on its proposed transition to a Royal College, arguing that it resulted in low participation from pharmacists in Great Britain.

Announcing the results of the special resolution vote, the RPS said that the outcome was a “clear mandate” in favour of the transformative change.

Keep ReadingShow less