Question reference: S5W-06209
- Asked by: Maree Todd, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 16 January 2017 Registered interest
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Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 25 January 2017
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to address online sales of antibiotics, given reports of the threats posed from drug resistance.
Answer
All registered pharmacies in Great Britain, whether operating online or in a traditional manner, are required to meet the standards for registered pharmacies at all times as prescribed by the pharmacy regulatory body. This includes the management of medicines and medical devices, and the way in which they are delivered safeguards the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the pharmacy regulator for Great Britain and their premises standards can be found at:-
However a pharmacy service is delivered, the legal principles and regulatory standards aimed at guaranteeing safe outcomes for patients and people who use pharmacy services must still be met. The sale and supply of Pharmacy (P) medicines and Prescription Only Medicines (POMs) must only happen at or from a registered pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist, even when the sale or supply is made online. The GPhC has published guidance for registered pharmacies providing pharmacy services online:-
Registered pharmacies selling and supplying medicines online must also display the EU Common logo that is administered by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Scottish Government has noted the recommendations made by Professor Galloway, which are broadly in line with the overall approach to managing AMR. It is important to note the distinction between those on-line pharmacies which are acting legally and those which are not by selling antibiotics without a prescription. Where a website is operating illegally the MHRA is the lead agency which works to shut these down. The EU Common Logo is designed to help people identify genuine sellers of medicines online:-
www.gov.uk/government/news/new-mandatory-logo-for-selling-medicines-online