In a significant update, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has announced plans to simplify the process for internationally trained pharmacists to register in Great Britain. The newly proposed system introduces a “one route” pathway, designed to streamline the registration process into a one-year program. This initiative responds to previous feedback and aims to reduce the registration timeline, which currently spans two years. The revised pathway will integrate both academic study at universities and practical in-field training, ensuring that internationally trained pharmacists meet the rigorous standards required in the UK.
However, all pharmacists, regardless of their origin, will still need to pass the registration assessment to practice. This proposal replaces the previously considered three-tier system, which categorized pharmacists based on the similarity of their country of origin to the UK. Concerns had been raised regarding the fairness of this system, particularly in relation to equality and inclusivity. The GPhC’s commitment to these principles has driven the development of this new, more equitable process. Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the GPhC, highlighted the benefits of this change, stating that it would significantly reduce the burden on internationally qualified pharmacists and contribute to addressing the long-term need for a larger pharmacist workforce in Great Britain. The GPhC plans to launch a public consultation on this proposal in 2025, with no changes expected to the Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP) before September 2026.
This delay provides time for the development of updated educational and training standards for these pharmacists. In addition, the GPhC is also considering a shorter route to registration for internationally qualified pharmacy technicians based on prior learning, further underscoring the regulator’s commitment to evolving with the needs of the healthcare sector.
This move is timely, given the increasing demand for OSPAP places, which has seen significant oversubscription in recent years. Universities struggle to meet this demand, with the current waiting list running into the hundreds. As we look forward to these proposed changes, it’s clear that the GPhC is making strides towards a more inclusive and efficient registration process for overseas pharmacists, ultimately benefiting both the healthcare system and the patients it serves
Source: Chemist+Druggist. (2024). GPhC proposes ‘one route’ for overseas pharmacist registration. [online] Available at: https://www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/CD138410/GPhC-proposes-one-route-for-overseas-pharmacist-registration