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Pharmacist Takes Loan Due to Insufficient NHS Medicine Reimbursements

A pharmacist in Devon reveals financial struggles due to insufficient NHS reimbursements for medicine, highlighting a wider crisis in community pharmacies.

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United Kingdom

HealthHealthcareFinanceFundingNhsPharmacies

NhsDa Tubb PharmacyNational Pharmacists AssociationDepartment For Health And Social CareNational Pharmacy Association

Esi Kumordzi

Why did a pharmacist in Plymouth need to take out a loan?: Esi Kumordzi, a pharmacist in Plymouth, took out a loan to cover the rising costs of medicine because the NHS reimbursement fees haven't increased since 2016, making her business unsustainable.
What is the main issue causing financial difficulties for pharmacies in the UK?: The current NHS drug tariff often fails to cover the increasing costs of medicines, leading to significant financial losses for pharmacies. The reimbursement system does not always reflect the actual purchase prices from wholesalers.
What is Esi Kumordzi's perspective on the situation and what action would she consider?: Kumordzi expressed her desire to leave the NHS system if a viable alternative existed, highlighting the unsustainable financial burden imposed by the current reimbursement model. She stated that running a pharmacy under these conditions is 'virtually impossible'.
What is the government's response to the financial challenges faced by community pharmacies?: The Department of Health and Social Care maintains that safeguards exist to address rising drug prices, and additional funding is provided for pharmacy services. However, pharmacists argue these measures are insufficient.
What did a recent survey by the National Pharmacy Association reveal about the financial state of pharmacies?: The National Pharmacy Association's survey revealed that 85% of its members are experiencing net losses on NHS medicines, with many using personal savings or family support to stay afloat.

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