August 28th 2024

By Ailsa Colquhoun

Pharmacists warn of closures due to cost of medicines

English community pharmacists have called for a full review of the medicines supply market and short-term relief measures after warning of unsustainable medicine purchasing costs, and shortages and supply problems.

In a survey, over nine in ten pharmacies said their inability to source and supply some medicines is causing problems for patients.  Most reported longer prescription dispensing times (86 per cent), delays in responding to patients’ messages and less time to spend with patients. Over two in five said their ability to provide advanced services had also been affected,

The costs of purchasing medicines, along with staffing costs are now the most significant reasons why business costs have increased, pharmacists responding to the survey said. They also cited shortages and supply issues as the other key drivers of increasing costs.  

Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of pharmacists said they are now operating at a loss and one in six warned that they may close within 12 months.