Fewer GP and dental practices, stable ophthalmic services and pharmacy count at 10-year low
Date published:
New accredited official statistics published on 3 July 2025 by independent statisticians within the Family Practitioner Services (FPS) Information Unit details key facts in relation to general medical, dental, ophthalmic and pharmaceutical services in Northern Ireland during the period 2024/25.
Key findings
- There were 305 active GP practices on 31 March 2025, an approximate 13% decrease since 2014.
- There were 1,468 registered GPs (excluding Locums), a 24% increase on 2014.
- Health service dental practices reached 359, a decrease of 5 in comparison to 2024.
- There were 1,206 registered dentists, an increase of 14% since 2015.
- 266 ophthalmic practices carried out health service sight tests, an increase of 2 from 2024.
- There were 508 pharmacies, the lowest figure in the last 10 years.
About the publication
This statistical release provides information taken from FPS annual reports on activity and payment statistics within General Medical Services, Dentistry Services, Ophthalmic Services and Pharmaceutical Services (including community pharmacy and dispensing) in Northern Ireland for the period April 2024 to March 2025.
The report is a supplementary document combining key facts from the previously released 2024/25 publications relating to the four main areas within Family Practitioner Services. The statistics are based on registration activity and claims submitted from within primary care to the Business Services Organisation (BSO). They do not cover secondary and private care.
Further information
Visit the publication page with associated tables, infographic and further information: FPS Information Unit