The General Pharmaceutical Council has updated its guidance for the education and training of pharmacists and pharmacist independent prescribers to reflect commitments to a carbon net zero action plan for sustainable pharmacy regulation.
Launched in August 2024, the action plan acknowledges climate change as a significant threat to public health and poses direct health risks, as well as exacerbating existing health inequalities. This impacts patients, the public and health services alike. The goal for the GPhC is to reach carbon net zero by 2040.
A key objective of the GPhC’s carbon zero action plan is to integrate ‘greener’ thinking into our regulatory framework and the way that we regulate, such as through pharmacy education and training.
The updated guidance for the education and training of pharmacists and pharmacist independent prescribers aims to raise awareness of climate change and environmental sustainability within pharmacy education and training, and encourage providers and pharmacy professionals to build upon work in this area and signpost to relevant resources.
The guidance says that for providers of pharmacy education and training, this can mean considering incorporating environmentally sustainable practice into their curriculums. Providers should consider how their course provision will support future pharmacists to be well informed in relation to environmental factors affecting pharmacy and patients in their care, and that they are equipped with appropriate knowledge, skills, understanding and behaviours to make a positive impact in this area through their practice.
Chief Executive of the GPhC, Duncan Rudkin, said:
“At the GPhC, our mission is to protect, promote, and maintain the health, safety, and well-being of patients and the public by upholding standards and ensuring the quality of pharmacy education and practice. We recognise the pivotal role that pharmacy technicians, pharmacists and the wider pharmacy team play in delivering safe and effective healthcare services.
“In aligning with our commitment to ensure that individuals receive safe and effective pharmacy care, we acknowledge the pressing challenges posed by the climate crisis and environmental issues. The health and well-being of individuals are inextricably linked to planetary health, making it imperative for us to address and mitigate our environmental impact.”