The Welsh government is to plough an extra £3.6 million in 2020-21, rising to £4.9 million by 2023-24, to improve the training of pharmacists.

The injection of funds will nearly double the number of training places each year to 200 by August 2023 as ministers embark on a campaign to promote Wales as the best place for pharmacists to train, work and live.

“In a UK first, all trainees will be employed and trained by the NHS regardless of whether they complete the majority of their training in a community pharmacy, a hospital or a GP practice,” the Welsh government said.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Pharmacists play an increasingly important role in the delivery of health care in Wales. We have made great strides in Wales with pharmacists providing advice and treatment, reducing the burden on our GPs.

“As demand for their clinical skills increase we must ensure we are able to a train sufficient number of pharmacists to meet the needs of the NHS in Wales in all sectors of pharmacy practice.

“This is new unique and distinctive approach to training will meet the growing expectations of UK pharmacy graduates and the long-term needs of the NHS in Wales. 

“Together with our new marketing campaign, this investment sends a clear signal that Wales is a great place for pharmacists to train work and live.”

Earlier this month the Welsh government pledged to increase community pharmacy funding by £1.4 million for 2018-19.