Correction: The headline on this article has been changed. It originally said that “… GPs should now be free to dispense too”.

Dr Evan Ackerman wants to make clear that his position is not for GPs to formally dispense under the definition used in pharmacy.

Pharmacy prescribing is a very unwelcome intervention, but it cuts both ways.

There is now an opportunity for the government and the medical profession to focus on the second edge of the sword to optimise health efficiencies and patient outcomes in primary care.