NPA calls for clarity on government pharmacy stance

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has called on the government to clarify its stance towards the role of pharmacies in UK healthcare provision.

Commenting on issues discussed during the June 2010 NPA board meeting, the organisation’s chairman Ian Facer highlighted the fact that “questions remain unanswered” as to the coalition administration’s plans for the sector.

The new government has already confirmed that it does not plan to use the pharmacy white paper commissioned by the previous Labour administration, but has yet to specify an alternative strategy.

As a result, Mr Facer has requested a meeting between the NPA and ministers in order to glean more information on health policy details.

He expressed hope that this meeting will “inject some urgency into policy development for community pharmacy so that our sector’s potential is not overlooked in these critical early days of the new administration”.

This comes after NPA policy manager Margaret Peycke stated earlier this month that more awareness of sexual health services offered by pharmacies is needed, in order to allow their potential to be maximised.