Indirect discrimination against aspiring members of the UK pharmacy workforce who have received their education in Africa.
MEDIA FROM WIX
Dear Members of the UKBPA,
In February 2024, an article published in the Pharmaceutical Journal brought forth concerning proposals regarding potential changes to OSPAP entry requirements. The article suggested that "some internationally-trained pharmacists could join the register in three to four months." As an association dedicated to the advancement and fair treatment of all pharmacists in the UK, the UKBPA finds these proposals troubling.
Our primary concern lies in the potential for indirect discrimination against aspiring members of the UK pharmacy workforce who have received their education in Africa. We firmly believe that any changes to entry requirements should be merit-based and equitable, irrespective of the country where an individual's pharmacy degree was earned.
In response to these proposals, we have taken action by expressing our concerns directly to David Webb, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for NHS England and sent a communication to the Pharmaceutical Journal for comment.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the pharmacy workforce remains diverse, inclusive, and reflective of the global community we serve.
While we understand the importance of bolstering the pharmacy workforce, we stand by our belief that any recruitment initiatives should be fair and transparent. We urge decision-makers to consider the broader implications of such proposals and to ensure that international recruitment processes are conducted with the utmost integrity and fairness.
This letter represents our initial response to the article, and we remain available to engage in the ongoing discussions surrounding the proposed framework. We will continue to advocate for the rights and fair treatment of all pharmacists, both domestically and internationally.
In solidarity,
The UKBPA Board
Link to Article