Sustainable funding needed urgently for community pharmacy

A ballot, run by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) saw more than 99% of pharmacy owners here say they were willing to limit their services in the interest of patient safety if improved funding is not forthcoming.

The historic ballot, which saw pharmacies in Northern Ireland voting in favour of collective action to reduce services, follows the shock and dismay felt in the sector at the recent Budget.

In a special interview with NR, Representation Manager at the NPA, Anne McAlister reveals the frustration with the level of funding and confirms that Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has agreed to meet with the trade body in the new year to take forward discussions.

“There are very concrete proposals and we appreciate how much pressure the Health Service in its entirety is under, but it’s about allowing pharmacy to do what it can and do it appropriately,” said Anne.

Stressing that funding for community pharmacy has been up and down, the level of funding is now insufficient to meet the demand of services in Northern Ireland and the impact of the continued lack of funding is now starting to bear fruit.

YOU CAN READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ANNE MCALISTER IN THE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ISSUE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER – COMING SOON.