The PDA questions the rationale behind proposals relating to the future of pharmacy regulation in Northern Ireland. The PDA has submitted its responses to this Northern Ireland consultation and has stated that the professional leadership body and regulator should not be separated and should continue to operate structurally as they do now, under the same umbrella organisation. The PDA also made the recommendation that the Professional Standards Authority is given oversight of the appropriateness of the interactions between the professional leadership body and regulator.
The PDA believes that this represents the best all-round option for the public and for pharmacy in Northern Ireland. It has rejected the suggestion that pharmacy in Northern Ireland should become regulated by the GPhC and was concerned about this and other aspects of the consultation proposals. The full response and  rationale can be found in the document below.