NPA’s Online Pharmacy Services Group event

The NPA’s Online Pharmacy Services Group, which hosted its third event in April, discussed the issues that crop up when members provide online pharmacy services.

The event, which was open to all NPA members with an online pharmacy offering inside or outside the NHS, asked participants what further support they’d like to see with some examples of best practice highlighted.

Nick Kaye, Vice Chair of the NPA, who hosted the session said:

“Online pharmacy services are areas which are continuously pioneering and we often have a situation where regulation is catching up with innovations from a technical point of view and a patient point of view.

“The NPA is keen to work with the right business partners to provide solutions for community pharmacies as the diversification of online pharmacy services is an important income stream for our members going forward.

“We have this already in offers like Pro Delivery Manager which came from member ideas and member suggestions.”

Lynda Scammell, Senior Policy Manager for the MHRA, attended the forum and spoke about regulatory matters concerning online supply of medicines. She gave a presentation which touched upon the legal position of online medicines, prescribing and prescription requirements and tackling illegal online sales.

Jasmine Shah, Head of Advice and Support Services who was also present during the event, spoke about the importance of compliance and regulation and putting in online digital mechanisms and safeguards.

If you are an NPA member and want to book a place for future forums like this email R.Kent@npa.co.uk