Pharmacists Prepare for Collective Action Amid Funding Crisis and Contract Negotiations Stalemate

Pharmacists Feeling Abandoned and Preparing for Collective Action

Pharmacists across the UK are feeling increasingly abandoned and are preparing to take collective action, including reducing their hours, due to ongoing contract negotiations with the NHS. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) represents 6,000 independent pharmacies and has been left out of contract by the NHS for almost 300 days.

Members of the NPA are struggling to keep their doors open due to crippling anxiety over budgets. Ashley Cohen, a pharmacy owner from Leeds, has had to borrow £125,000 from the bank since January 2024 to keep his business afloat. He describes the planned increases to National Insurance employer contributions and the National Living Wage in April as a "cliff edge."

The previous five-year community pharmacy contract expired last year, and no new deal has been agreed. Around 90-95% of an average community pharmacy's income is derived from delivering NHS services, such as dispensing medication, providing medicines advice, and supporting vaccination campaigns. However, funding has been cut by 40% in real terms over the last decade, while workload has substantially increased, leading to 700 pharmacy closures in the last two years alone.

Sukhi Basra, owner of CliniChem pharmacy in London, feels abandoned by the system she has supported for years. "We've poured our lives into this work, and all we're asking for is fairness," she says. "The Government and NHS must recognise the value of what we do and act before it's too late."

NPA chair Nick Kaye emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding funding is preventing pharmacies from investing in better services and reform. He adds, "The seemingly endless delays to this year's contract negotiations are unacceptable and leave hardworking pharmacies left abandoned in the dark, causing them stress and uncertainty about their future."

Pharmacies are reluctant to withdraw vital services from patients but may be left with little choice unless things improve. The NPA urges the government to get around the table as soon as possible to end the uncertainty and offer reassurance and security to pharmacies so they can continue serving their communities with confidence.