Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in inspections targeting licensed pharmacists in pharmacies across Beijing and other regions has heightened industry tension, as regulatory bodies intensify efforts to address the issue of "hanging certificates" among pharmacists [1][3]. Group 1: Inspection and Regulatory Actions - A sudden wave of inspections has been initiated in various districts of Beijing, focusing on the compliance of licensed pharmacists in pharmacies, particularly regarding their actual employment status [1]. - The inspections are prompted by discrepancies found between pharmacists' social insurance and their reported workplaces, leading to concerns about the prevalence of "hanging certificates" [1]. - Similar inspection efforts are reported in Inner Mongolia, where a joint meeting was held to address issues related to the management of medical insurance funds, with a strong emphasis on investigating "hanging certificates" [3]. Group 2: Statistics and Trends - In 2024, a total of 30,994 licensed pharmacists were deregistered, marking a more than 62% increase compared to 19,088 in 2023 [5][6]. - The deregistration figures indicate a significant rise in regulatory enforcement, with various regions reporting high numbers of deregistered pharmacists, particularly in Shandong (3,950), Guangdong (3,486), and Anhui (2,313) [6][7]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The ongoing regulatory scrutiny is expected to lead to a transformation in the retail pharmacy sector, as many pharmacies may struggle to meet the mandated pharmacist staffing requirements by the end of 2025 [9][10]. - The tightening of regulations is seen as a necessary step towards improving the quality of pharmacy services, shifting the focus from quantity to quality in the profession [8]. - As the deadline approaches, pharmacies that fail to comply with the staffing requirements may face severe penalties, prompting urgent recruitment and training efforts to enhance professional service levels [10].