An exclusive analysis by The Pharmaceutical Journal has found that online pharmacies are more than twice as likely as their neighborhood brick-and-mortar counterparts to fall short of regulatory standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
The review, covering inspection reports published between 1 April 2024 and 14 January 2025, revealed that 10% of distance-selling pharmacies failed to meet all required standards, compared to just 4.5% of community pharmacies.
The inspections evaluated five key areas: Governance (safe and effective management), Staff competence and empowerment, Appropriateness of premises, Safety and effectiveness of services, and Use of suitable equipment and facilities
Professional Concerns Raised
Of particular concern are the higher failure rates in governance and service delivery—both essential to ensuring patient safety. These failures suggest that some online pharmacies may lack the necessary safeguards to ensure medications are dispensed responsibly. There are serious concerns that patient safety could be compromised by business models that prioritize profit or convenience over appropriate care.
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Speak with your pharmacist today about Minor Ailment Consultations and Medication Reviews. Whether you’re dealing with a common issue like a rash, allergies, or heartburn, or just want a personalized medication review to stay on track, we’re here to help.
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