The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has updated its guidance for the education and training of pharmacists and pharmacist independent prescribers to integrate environmentally sustainable practices into their curriculums.
This revision aligns with the regulator’s commitment to a carbon net zero action plan for sustainable pharmacy regulation.
Duncan Rudkin, chief executive of the GPhC, emphasised the importance of this initiative:
“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.”
Launched in August 2024, the GPhC’s action plan acknowledges climate change as “the most significant threat to public health” and aims to achieve carbon net zero by 2040.
The regulator highlighted that climate change not only poses direct health risks but also exacerbates existing health inequalities, impacting patients, the public, and health services.
A key objective of the GPhC’s carbon net zero action plan is to embed ‘greener’ thinking into its regulatory framework, including pharmacy education and training.
The updated guidance seeks to raise awareness of climate change and environmental sustainability within pharmacy education and training, encouraging providers and pharmacy professionals to build upon work in this area and signpost to relevant resources.
The guidance advises education providers to consider how their courses will equip future pharmacists with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to understand environmental factors affecting pharmacy and patient care, and make a positive impact through their practice.
Rudkin reaffirmed that the GPhC’s 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.”
The GPhC believes that encouraging pharmacies and registrants to adopt sustainable practices will directly enhance patient care and promote overall health and wellbeing.
It has also committed to reducing its own carbon footprint by embedding sustainability into its operations.
“By putting our own house in order, we aim to set a standard for others to follow in the healthcare sector,” the GPhC stated in its action plan.
Graeme Duncan 
