Who we are and what we do.

The All-Party Pharmacy Group was formed in December 1999. Our statement of purpose, agreed at our inaugural meeting is as follows:

To raise awareness of the profession of pharmacy, and to promote pharmacists' current and potential contribution to the health of the nation.

We are committed to inquiring into issues of current interest and significance for pharmacy, patients and the NHS.   We have chosen to adopt some of the principles of operation that select committees of the House use.   We hold meetings and investigations into current issues, inviting expert speakers to explain their views to us.

We do this in public, with an invited audience comprising health professionals, Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities, patient groups, government officials, industry representatives and the media.   Attendance at our meetings is usually over 100, making our Group one of the most successful and high profile in Parliament.

Following each meeting we prepare a report to Health Ministers containing our findings, views and recommendations for policy action, just as a select committee would do.

Ministers respond to our recommendations and we are pleased to have positively influenced government policy over a number of issues through our work, including emergency hormonal contraception, concordance and wasted medicines, and the government's response to the OFT's proposals on 'control of entry'.

To read more about our work click here
To read about forthcoming events and inquiries click here

The All-Party Pharmacy Group receives financial support from: Company Chemists Association, National Pharmacy Association, PSNC and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.  Luther Pendragon provides administrative assistance to the Group.