MPs to examine impact of medicine shortages on patients
MPs will examine the impact of medicine shortages on pharmacists and patients, particularly people with type 2 diabetes, in the third session of the pharmacy inquiry. Funding of community pharmacy services and the rollout of Pharmacy First will also be covered.
Meeting details
The profession has called for a review of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework, coupled with a long-term sustainable funding commitment. Research in 2022 found that community pharmacy funding levels had fallen by more than 30% in real terms.
Questions are expected on the ability of community pharmacies to deliver on Pharmacy First – pharmacists prescribing medication directly for seven common conditions – after some concern that the launch at the end of January had been ‘hurried’.
The inquiry is examining challenges facing the pharmacy sector in hospitals, the community and general practice.