Hundreds of independent pharmacies have registered to participate in a coordinated response to NHS England proposals for ‘efficiencies’ in the pharmacy sector, such as centralised dispensing and increased online supply of medicines, says the National Pharmacy Association (NPA).

The NPA believes this policy drift risks undermining the community pharmacy network and will therefore take a stand to “robustly oppose” such plans. At the same time, the NPA will help independents adapt to meet the genuine long-term challenges that exist in terms of patient expectations and NHS productivity.

Pharmacies supporting the NPA campaign will be given the resources and support to build the evidence base required to make a compelling case to Government and the NHS, as well as mobilise public opinion and political support for local pharmacies.

NPA chairman Ian Strachan, said: “The Government is conducting a dangerous experiment which could see local pharmacies close, thereby reducing people’s access to pharmaceutical and healthcare advice, and putting extra pressure on GPs and hospitals. The current drift of policy puts at risk a part of the health system that holds the key to solving many of its problems. Patients would be the biggest losers.

“The Government’s approach is to combine funding cuts with jumbled proposals for productivity gain, including support for ‘large scale automated dispensing’ and increased online supply of medicines. The proposals imply that pharmacy is just a distribution mechanism for product – rather than a valuable health and social care asset at the heart of communities."

Mr Strached rallies for independent pharmacies to join the campaign, saying: “Our voice is most powerful when NPA members are actively involved, so we are asking independents to step forward at what could be an important moment in pharmacy history. It is vital that we all play our part in the coming months.”

Register to receive campaign updates and ideas for how to get involved at: www.npa.co.uk/independentsvoice.