The DHSC announcement was underpinned by the work of the Conditions and Categories working group, a workstream of the Reclassification Alliance (a Government initiative chaired by the MHRA). It sees several conditions and categories identified as suitable for reclassification including:
- short-term sleep aids
- oral health
- pain management (migraine, osteoarthritis, pain relief/joint pain)
- allergic rhinitis
- skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, actinic keratoses)
- women’s health conditions
As a member of the working group, the CCA signed a joint statement of support for the DHSC announcement, together with the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB), Community Pharmacy England (CPE), the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS).
Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA, said:
“Widening access to more treatments is a key action that policymakers can take to support the government’s planned strategic shifts in the NHS, especially those of prevention and of greater care in the community.
The UK has a unique opportunity to lead the agenda on reclassification and self-care. That’s why we’re delighted to continue to support the work of the Reclassification Alliance in its efforts to widen patient access to a greater range of treatments.
Increasing access to Pharmacy (P) medicines will give pharmacies even more tools to support patients, whilst upholding high quality care.”