The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is launching a drive to encourage more people to make sperm and egg donations, the BBC reports. The UK fertility regulator wants to reduce the taboo around donations and is brining together a group of experts to help develop ways of increasing awareness, the BBC reports.

And for those women who do go on to have children, you may want to listen up, as research has warned that shop-bought baby foods lack vital nutrients. Experts say that leading manufacturers such as Heinz and Cow & Gate don't face as tougher regulations as the makers of adult foods, the Daily Mail reports.

From children today to those in the sixties, the Telegraph reports that the numbers of older people who admit to taking illegal drugs has risen dramatically. A study found that one in 10 people in their 50s say they have taken cannabis and other illegal drugs.

In other news, abortion clinic checks ordered by health secretary Andrew Lansley cost £1 million and meant hundreds of other inspections had to be cancelled, the BBC reports. The Care Quality Commission said the request made last month lead to 580 pre-planned inspections being abandoned.

The BBC reports that the number of women dying from womb cancer has increased by nearly 18 per cent in the past 10 years. While survival rates for the disease having improved with women now living at least five years after treatment.

In other news, a poll of 814 GPs showed that only 12 per cent of them back the NHS reforms, the Telegraph reports. Doctors are increasingly unconvinced that the overhaul of the health service will lead to improve patient care.

Finally from the nationals, the Daily Mail reports that flaws in the body mass index measurement means that the obesity epidemic could be worse than previously thought. Researchers said that formula usually used to determine fat underestimated how many people should regard themselves as overweight or obese.

In pharmacy news, Pharmacy organisations, Healthy Living Pharmacy (HLP) Pathfinder areas and pharmacies are celebrating beating their target of having 100 HLPs accredited in England by the end of March 2012. There are now 163 quality-marked HLPs across 15 HLP Primary Care Trust areas, and 191 HLPs when including two non-pathfinder sites.

Independent pharmacist prescribers will be able to prescribe, administer and advice on controlled drugs listed in schedule 2, 3, 4 and 5 from April 23. Although they will not be able to prescribe diamorphine, dipipanone or cocaine for treating addiction, they can prescribe these for treating diseases or injury.

Pfizer has announced that Inspra (eplerone), a selective aldosterone antagonist, has been approved in the UK for a therapeutic indication to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in adult patients with chronic heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Meanwhile, an e-learning series on drug use in sport from the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) has been recognised by the Podium Awards. The use of drugs in sport: a healthcare professional's perspective is to receive a bronze medal in the Get Set Awards for inspiring outstanding learning through the Olympic Games.

Finally, Lloydspharmacy has announced that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who are involved or preparing to be involved in prison and other secure environment pharmacy contracts will have to complete an e-learning programme, Providing pharmacy services for secure environments.