3000 Pharmacies Forced to Face Closure Following Underfunding

Over 30% of the UK pharmacy network may have to close in the coming years due to a succession of underfunding by the government. Between 2016 and now, over 640 pharmacies have shut down, with a further 3,000 expected to follow in the near future.

Taking inflation into account, finance from the government has been declining for the last 3 years, with half of pharmacies struggling monetarily. Data predicts a further rise to 75% experiencing by 2024.

Due to the reduced number of operational pharmacies and a 2% annual increase in prescription uptake, pharmacists are made to work a lot working harder than they were 10 years ago.

To prevent an NHS disaster this winter, the secretary of state has requested pharmacies to take more action.

To make matters worse, the number of working GP’s is also tailing off, with 1,700 less now compared to 2015. A high proportion, over 30%, of GP’s seek to retire prematurely, placing further pressure on hospitals which are struggling to cope as it stands.

Back in 2019 the budget for this sector was set at £2.6 billion. This amount was to remain the same over a five-year period with no adjustments for inflation, making the decision redundant when you take into account the economic conditions of today.

Local pharmacies play a pivotal role within their communities, who regard them as a treasured resource in the UK’s healthcare system. We currently run the risk of experiencing mass pharmacy closure, putting even greater strain on other elements of the chain including GPs and A&E, as well as increasing NHS expenditure.

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