The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is continuing to monitor the use of falsified medicines directive (FMD) equipment during its inspections and will take action against pharmacies flagrantly failing to comply with the legislation.

This is according to a statement made by Ms Bryce-Smith in a video addressing the annual Sigma conference in Cebu, the Philippines on Tuesday (February 18).

Although the number of pharmacies registered with UK verification system SecurMed has increased to “well over” 12,000, there is “quite a difference between the numbers that have got the equipment in place and those who are actually using [it] routinely,” she said.

The regulator will work with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to jointly “consider whether enforcement action should be taken” against pharmacies where FMD is not being used, Ms Bryce-Smith added. 

Pharmacies that show “absolutely no evidence” of implementing FMD, which includes registering to provide the service and train staff, will risk action being taken against them, she explained.

The future of FMD had looked uncertain following the UK’s departure from the European Union, as it is an EU anti-counterfeit medicine legislation.

However, Ms Bryce-Smith confirmed that the directive will remain in place during the transition period.

On Monday (February 17) British Generic Manufacturers Association director general Warwick Smith, also speaking at the Sigma conference, criticised FMD – saying it had reduced manufacturing capacity by 10%.