The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy has today published its latest report, The Future of Community Pharmacy in England, urging Government to act swiftly to prevent the collapse of a sector critical to NHS resilience.
The report outlines seven priority recommendations to unlock pharmacy’s potential in delivering accessible, cost-effective care and supporting wider health policy reform, particularly the implementation of the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan.
Every day, 1.6 million people visit a pharmacy in England. Yet most pharmacies are operating at a loss, facing workforce shortages and medicines supply instability. The APPG on Pharmacy’s new report warns that without urgent reform, patients will lose access to vital services.
Sadik Al-Hassan MP, Chair of the APPG on Pharmacy, said:
“Community pharmacies are an essential cornerstone of local healthcare, relied upon by millions each week for convenient, trusted, and professional care. The message from our report is clear: pharmacies stand ready to do more, but urgent action is needed to close the funding gap, support the workforce, and put community pharmacy at the heart of primary care reform with a strong vision for the sector.
With the right investment and policy support, pharmacies can help address many of the most pressing challenges facing the NHS – improving access, supporting prevention, and enabling people to stay healthy and in work. Now is the time to recognise and realise the full potential of England’s pharmacy network as a central pillar of health policy reform and dream the reality of pharmacy for 2035.”
The APPG report outlines seven priority recommendations for government, including funding reform, workforce support, and medicines supply improvements.