English Pharmacists to Prescribe for Twelve Common Conditions, Including Migraines and Acne

From 31 January, pharmacies in England will expand their prescribing authority to cover five additional common conditions, bringing the total to twelve. This initiative is designed to reduce the burden on general practitioners by enabling pharmacists to treat conditions that previously required a GP appointment.

Expanded Treatment Scope

The newly added conditions include migraine, acne, impetigo, infected insect bites, and shingles. These join the existing seven conditions implemented in January 2023: uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women, sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, and shingles. The repeated inclusion of some conditions suggests a phased rollout or refinement of the initial programme, although official statements frame it as an expansion.

Patients will be able to access consultations and, where appropriate, receive prescription medication directly from participating pharmacies. The government maintains this move will free up to 10 million GP appointments annually, improving patient access to primary care services. This policy aligns with broader efforts to recalibrate the role of community pharmacies within the National Health Service.