BRITAIN'S pharmacists would play an enhanced role in a reformed primary care system for the country, under a new major health policy platform unveiled by the UK's opposition Labour party.
A briefing document released earlier this week suggested an increased ability for pharmacists to independently prescribe medications, as well as more empowered pharmacy technicians.
"Whilst the Government has announced some 'sticking plaster' proposals in this area, we will go further, accelerating the roll out of independent prescribing to establish a Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service covering a broad range of common conditions," the party promised.
Red tape will be cut to allow pharmacy technicians to step up to some roles with expanded scope, "ensuring pharmacists can work to the top of their license and focus on their expertise in prescribing and medicines management, rather than repetitive dispensing processes," according to the document unveiled by Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Labour's enhanced policy also proposes support for greater digital interoperability between pharmacists and GPs, with the aim of helping collaboratively manage long-term conditions such as hypertension and COPD.
Improved technology links with GP practices will also help in "tackling the serious issue of overprescribing, which is responsible for thousands of avoidable hospital admissions every year," the manifesto notes.
Labour's vision for the UK health system will "lead to fewer lives lost to the biggest killers in a fairer Britain, where everyone lives well for longer," the document notes.
Labour is currently leading the conservative government in opinion polls, but the next UK election is currently not scheduled to be held until early 2025.
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