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Pharmacy News
Devolved budgets: PNAs: Underfunding: Homecare Pharmacy
Dr Allan Tennant reports
21st of December 2009
Pharmacy budgets devolved to PCTs
Stop press: We have just been told that Pharmacy budgets will be devolved to PCTs from April 2010. Click here
PNAs may protect current pharmacy provision
C&D are quoting David Reissner, a partner at law firm Charles Russell as suggesting that new PNA legislation, by requiring PCTs to consult with local providers, will introduce protectionism for current providers of pharmaceutical services.
North Lincolnshire PCT designated their whole area as a Local Pharmacy Scheme. This means for the next 12 months any pharmacy applications whether they use the pharmaceutical regulations or use the exemptions will be deferred until November 2010. The PCT believes this gives them the breathing space to develop PNAs and discuss service provision with local providers. The PCT did not consult with the LPC or the LMC, as this may have resulted in multiple applications and there is no power of appeal against the LPS designation.
This would also appear to protect current provision.
Pharmacy underfunded by £300 million
C&D quotes John Nuttall, MD of Co-operative Pharmacy
We would agree with Mr Nuttall, the downward spiral of purchase prices and purchase profit, where by the purchase profit is a fixed amount, but volumes rise inexorably will continue.
Pharmacists have the added problem of dilution by the huge number of new entrants into the market as we reported on the publication of the General Pharmaceutical Services in England 1999-2000 to 2008-09
Currently a cost inquiry on pharmacy will report in April 2010. A similar inquiry will start next year for dispensing doctors.
I would suggest that practices and pharmacists should be looking closely at their costs and productivity to improve profitability rather than hoping that the government will increase income.
See Pharma Times article NHS must begin planning for tough financial climate
Homecare Pharmacy
Medco supplies British patients is the headline in Pharma Adhoc.
The supply of drugs directly to patients by manufacturers is seen as a growing sector. Often the products are speciality ones such as chemotherapy or drugs that require technical help in administering.
An area to keep ones eye on.