Independent Pharmacies in England to Reduce Services Over Funding Shortfall

Pharmacies plan to cut hours and free services starting April 1 as government negotiations fail to secure needed funding.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has advised its 6,000 member pharmacies to reduce opening hours and services to manage rising costs.
Free services like home deliveries, emergency contraception, and smoking cessation programs are expected to be cut to mitigate financial strain.
Pharmacies face a £310 million increase in costs from higher national insurance rates, the national living wage, and business rates, without additional NHS funding.
Over 1,500 pharmacies have closed since 2015 due to real-term funding cuts, and further closures are anticipated if no funding agreement is reached.
Advocacy groups warn that reduced access to medicines and services will significantly impact vulnerable populations, including the elderly and rural communities.