MSPs will hear evidence from health secretary Jeane Freeman this week as a landmark inquiry on the future of primary care continues.

The minister will appear on Tuesday before Holyrood’s health and sport committee, which is looking at how GP and community-based services should be shaped in the years to come.

Phase one of the inquiry found the public want to see more use of technology in the NHS, such as contacting doctors by email and booking appointments online.

The second part of the inquiry is now asking health professionals about the future of primary care in Scotland.

Evidence submitted by the Digital Health & Care Institute (DHI) ahead of the committee meeting says there needs to be increased recognition that challenges are not only for GPs – and all of primary care needs to reassess current practices.

One example given is that over the next decade medicines could be delivered directly by companies or even from manufacturers using smart technology.

But the DHI says community pharmacies should not see this as a threat, but an opportunity to help people monitor and support patients.

The report says: “DHI is already working with Community Pharmacy Scotland to develop a technology-supported future service offering that will look to secure a sustainable future for community pharmacy services with the pharmacy playing a more prominent role as a health and care hub for a community.

“This type of programme requires dedicated time and funding to secure real impact in the desired timescales.”

Ms Freeman will be joined at the committee meeting by Scottish Government officials Aidan Grisewood, deputy director of primary care, Naureen Ahmad, head of GP contract and implementation and Philip McLean, patient engagement/health inequalities team leader.

Representatives from NHS National Services Scotland, NHS 24, NHS Education for Scotland Digital service, the Digital Health and Care Institute and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will also attend.