"PAGB unveils toolkit: Advocates for pharmacy inclusion, regulatory reforms

Future reclassifications of appropriate medicines can lead to a potential NHS saving of £1.4 billion.

With the upcoming general election on the horizon, Proprietary Association of Greater Britain (PAGB) is leading the charge to integrate self-care into the core of all political party manifestos.

The aim is to ease strains on the NHS and forge a sustainable healthcare system for the future.

In a significant move, PAGB unveiled a comprehensive general election toolkit on Wednesday, laying out a compelling argument for the prioritisation of self-care among stakeholders.

The toolkit underscores the importance of public interest, potential NHS cost savings, and the economic advantages of the over-the-counter (OTC) sector.

Aimed at unlocking the full potential of self-care and nurturing an enabling environment for its implementation, PAGB's toolkit advocates for greater integration of pharmacy services into primary care.

It also recommends recognition of the OTC sector's pivotal role in the UK life sciences arena, and the establishment of a favourable regulatory landscape for the OTC sector.

Moreover, the association also urged for greater reclassification of prescription-only medicines (POM) to OTC, citing potential NHS savings of £1.4 billion in avoidable prescription and appointment costs.

Michelle Riddalls, CEO at PAGB, underscored the significance of the toolkit's launch, stating, "As we approach the next general election, we have an opportunity to influence a new government. This toolkit empowers our members, partners, and wider OTC stakeholders to unite as a collective voice."

Riddalls continued, "Our objective is to ensure that all political parties are well-versed in the case for prioritising self-care. Equipped with the knowledge, research, and resources of the consumer healthcare industry, we aim to drive progress in support of self-care, reclassification, and regulatory enhancement."