Family practitioner services record fewer practices and pharmacies than in 2025
Date published:
New accredited official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Business Services Organisation (BSO) present information on family practitioner services in Northern Ireland between April 2025 and March 2026.
Key findings
As at 31 March 2026:
- There were 304 active General Practitioner (GP) practices, a decrease of 1 (0.3%) compared with 2025.
- There were 1,505 active registered GPs, an increase of 37 (2.5%) compared with 2025.
- There were 351 active dental practices, a decrease of 8 (2.2%) compared with 2025.
- There were 94,941 (9.1%) fewer registered dental patients compared with 2025.
- There were 264 active Health and Social Care (HSC) ophthalmic practices, a decrease of 2 (0.8%) compared with 2025.
- There were 16,805 (3.7%) more HSC sight tests and a £3.26m (13.2%) increase in total cost compared with 2024/25.
- There were 506 active pharmacies, a decrease of 2 (0.4%) compared with 2025.
- There were 710,369 (1.6%) more items dispensed and a £12.83m (2.6%) increase in cost compared with 2024/25.
About this publication
This publication provides key facts in relation to general medical, dental, ophthalmic and pharmaceutical services in Northern Ireland between April 2025 and March 2026.
It is a supplementary document summarising each of the standalone reports previously published in June 2026.
Further information
Read the full report: FPS key facts statistics for Northern Ireland 2025/26
View data tables and background information: FPS information unit - Business Services Organisation (BSO) website