GPhC sees weight management prescribing fitness to practise investigations

The updated regulations have provoked a mixed reaction from stakeholders in the pharmacy sector. The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has expressed concerns, warning that the new rules may still pose significant risks and fail to adequately protect patients. In contrast, the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) has defended its members’ track record of safely providing weight management drugs and questioned the necessity of additional regulations. Critics, including online pharmacy Chemist4U, have argued that the new requirements could create delays in patient access to essential medications.

The urgency behind these regulatory changes has been underscored by recent incidents highlighting lapses in prescribing practices. For instance, a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation revealed that Boots dispensed the weight loss drug Wegovy to a 16-year-old who falsely claimed to be 18. This exposed failures in verifying patient information and prompted Health Secretary Wes Streeting to describe the safeguards as “totally unacceptable.” Boots has since tightened its ID policy, requiring official photographic identification to prevent similar incidents.

The GPhC has previously taken action against pharmacists for unsafe prescribing practices linked to online questionnaires. In February 2025, a pharmacist was suspended for 12 months after prioritizing transactional prescribing decisions. Earlier cases involved pharmacists being struck off or warned for issuing high-risk medications without adequate clinical oversight. These incidents have emphasized the need for stricter regulations to ensure patient safety in digital healthcare services.

The debate over the new guidance reflects broader tensions between maintaining access to healthcare services and safeguarding patient safety. While the GPhC aims to enhance oversight, critics worry about potential barriers to accessing weight management drugs. The ongoing discussions highlight the importance of balancing efficiency, safety, and fairness in regulatory frameworks. As cases related to the updated guidelines continue to emerge, they will likely shape future policies and practices within the pharmacy sector. The evolving landscape underscores the need for robust systems that prioritize patient safety while addressing the complexities of modern healthcare delivery.