Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

FIP releases report on common ailment schemes across nations

Pharmacists played a vital role in managing the increasing demand for primary healthcare.

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) launched a report on pharmacy-led common ailment schemes.


The data was collected from 24 countries, including case studies from nine countries.

It highlighted the growing demand for care models for ageing populations and the increase in chronic non-communicable diseases.

Pharmacists had been managing the stress, including prescribing authority and provision of medicinal treatments.

Paul Sinclair AM, Global President of FIP, said, "I believe this report is both a foundation and a catalyst — a foundation on which FIP and our member organizations could base initial strategies and a catalyst to drive us to seek even more diverse and comprehensive insights in the future.

"By equipping pharmacists with the tools and knowledge they needed, we strived to ensure that patients had access to timely, informed, and personalized care."

The common ailment schemes offered improved access to care, enhanced patient quality of life, and cost-effective alternatives while reducing GP workloads.

However, operational challenges persisted due to inconsistencies in service requirements and stakeholder engagement, including variations in professional standards, formularies, geographical coverage, and remuneration pathways.

Public funding was the primary source of remuneration for these schemes, with additional training mandated in two-thirds of countries.

Community pharmacists worldwide offered early interventions for common conditions, capitalizing on their accessible locations, and benefiting patients.

The report talked about the existing models and encouraged FIP member organizations to promote pharmacy-based services.

FIP led in enhancing primary healthcare excellence and accessibility, endorsing the expansion of common ailment schemes to bolster healthcare access and system strength.

More For You

Hay fever treatment: Dymista nasal spray now available in pharmacies without prescription

Hay fever affects one in four people in the UK

gettyimages

Hay fever treatment: First OTC combination nasal spray launched

For the first time, a double-action combination treatment for moderate to severe hay fever has been available over the counter across UK pharmacies, offering a new option for those sufferers who remain uncontrolled on a corticosteroid or antihistamine nasal spray.

Launched by global healthcare company Viatris, Dymista® CONTROL (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate) nasal spray— previously only available via prescription under the brand name Dymista — can be accessed without a GP visit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nick Kaye
Nick Kaye appointed as NPA's new chair
Nick Kaye appointed as NPA's new chair

Breaking news: NPA members advised against collective action

With the government’s recent announcement of increased funding to the sector signalling a ‘clear step forward’, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has today announced that it will not be recommending collective action to its members.

Last month, the department of health announced the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) with an increase in funding for 2024/25 of £106m to £2.7 billion and simultaneously a further increase to £3.1 billion for 25/26.

Keep ReadingShow less
Slamannan Village Pharmacy sold after 31 years

Slamannan Village Pharmacy

Slamannan Village Pharmacy sold after 31 years

A pharmacy in a small village in Scotland that has served its community for 31 years, has been bought by a group that operates 43 pharmacies across Scotland.

Slamannan Village Pharmacy is heavily relied on by locals sourcing their prescriptions from the village’s sole GP surgery.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kinnock highlights employers’ role in making community pharmacy jobs attractive

The new funding uplift our commitment to rebuilding the sector: Kinnock

Kinnock: ‘Employers have a key role in making community pharmacy jobs attractive’

Health minister Stephen Kinnock has emphasised that employers have a crucial role to play in retaining staff and making careers in community pharmacy more attractive.

His comments came in response to a written question from Victoria Collins MP, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for science and technology, who asked what steps the Department of Health and Social Care is taking to address staff shortages and prevent the closure of local pharmacies.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Pope Francis

Pope Francis at the Vatican on December 4, 2024.

Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj offers condolences to Catholic community following Pope Francis' passing

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader and president of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community worldwide following the passing of Pope Francis on Monday.

In a formal letter addressed to the members of the Roman Catholic Church, Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed the deep sorrow of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship, acknowledging the Pope's passing as “a profound loss to the Catholic community and Christians around the world.”

Keep ReadingShow less