A pharmacist independent prescriber (PIP) is able to prescribe autonomously, including prescription only medicines (POMs), for any condition within their clinical competence. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has set a goal for all newly qualified pharmacists to be independent prescribers by 2024.

We spoke to Sunil Kochhar, Community Pharmacist and Independent Prescribing mentor, about his journey to becoming a PIP.

We also asked him key questions about ways the pharmaceutical industry can get involved to maximise patients benefits and embrace the opportunity that this new front line of prescribers represents.