Urgent Call For Action To Save Community Pharmacies

The Liberal Democrat spokesperson for health and social care, Helen Morgan, has taken urgent action to address a growing crisis among community pharmacies in the UK. In a letter addressed to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Morgan, backed by 54 other MPs, requested immediate clarification regarding 2024-25 funding for these essential health services.

As the current financial year ends in less than two weeks, concerns mount over the future of pharmacies that are facing imminent closure due to a combination of ongoing financial pressures and a lack of government support. Morgan emphasized that the deadline is critical, especially regarding the funding for Pharmacy First, which is set to expire on April 1. “The Government talks about shifting care into the community, but without proper support for pharmacies, that ambition is meaningless,” Morgan stated.

Recent analysis by the National Pharmacy Association has resulted in alarming predictions, indicating that upwards of 1,000 pharmacies could shut down by the end of 2027 due to chronic underfunding, risking the creation of 'pharmacy deserts' in many areas.

In her letter, Morgan outlined the urgent financial pressures facing pharmacies, including increases in national insurance, national living wage, and business rates that will impact them starting April 1. She pointed out that many pharmacies are currently dispensing medicines at a loss, essentially subsidizing the NHS while their financial sustainability is jeopardized. “This severity of delay in contracting is unacceptable and adds further strain to an already struggling sector,” Morgan criticized.

The statistics presented by the National Pharmacy Association illustrate a concerning trend, projecting that communities could be significantly impacted if pharmacies continue to close at this rate. “The worst affected places could lose 30 percent of their pharmacies, leading to an explosion of pharmacy deserts,” she warned, referencing areas where access to healthcare services will become increasingly challenging.

This situation brands it vital for the Government to clarify if funding for Pharmacy First will continue beyond the crucial date of April 1. “Funding for the Pharmacy First initiative is set to expire in early April. If the Government fails to act, we could be facing severe consequences,” Morgan urged. Her strong statement encapsulates the fears of healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and patients alike.

The Pharmacy First initiative is intended to shift more health services into community settings, but without adequate support, its future appears bleak. Moreover, Morgan highlighted, “Pharmacies cannot continue to subsidize the NHS while struggling to keep their doors open.”

With these pressing concerns hanging in the balance, the response from Health Secretary Wes Streeting holds significant weight. The pressure is on for the Government to provide timely responses to clarify future funding, ensuring pharmacies can remain operational and fulfill their role in delivering essential health services.

As this crisis unfolds, the implications are clear: if pharmacies do not receive the necessary support, health services in local areas will suffer, creating barriers for individuals seeking treatment. “It is absolutely critical that we receive clarity from the Government on the future of pharmacy funding, especially as we head into a new financial year,” Morgan concluded, stressing the urgency of the matter.

The call for action from Morgan, ratified by the support of her fellow MPs, reflects a broader concern within the healthcare sector about the jeopardy in which community pharmacies stand. As discussions on funding continue between the Government and Community Pharmacy England, stakeholders will undoubtedly be looking closely for a response that can safeguard the future of these essential services.