The policy report summarises insights and recommendations from the Global Policy Network's United Kingdom (UK) Medicines Policy Series roundtable held on 24 September 2025. The session, titled “The Future of Pharmacy: Innovation, Integration, and Impact,” brought together senior pharmacy and academic leaders to discuss pharmacy’s transformation across strategic commissioning, genomic-informed care, and digital and workforce development.

 

Pharmacy must evolve from transactional, activity-based roles to become a strategic partner embedded within integrated care systems and neighbourhood health models. However, systemic operational barriers currently constrain this transformation. The 2026 mandate for all newly qualified pharmacists to become Independent Prescribers (IP) presents significant implementation challenges, particularly the absence of funded supervision for trainees and inadequate curriculum adaptation to prepare graduates for prescribing responsibilities. Similarly, integrating pharmacogenomics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into routine practice requires robust governance frameworks while addressing persistent gaps in workforce digital literacy and ensuring equitable access across populations.

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This report identifies six critical insights and sets out actionable recommendations for National Health Service (NHS) England, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), professional bodies, and education partners