With the UK General Election set for 4 July, pharmacy bodies are actively engaging with all political parties to secure support for the community pharmacy
sector. They are pressing parties to address urgent issues such as pharmacy closures and medicine shortages.
"The upcoming general election is a critical opportunity for us to strengthen supporters of community pharmacy in readiness for the new Parliament," said Janet
Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England (CPE).
She stressed the need for unity within the sector in advocating for community pharmacy and raising awareness of the issues with election candidates from all parties.
As the general election approaches, CPE has called upon all political parties to support pharmacies by "introducing a long-term sustainable funding model and
reviewing the medicines supply chain, including much-needed short-term relief measures."
As Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces the forthcoming UK general election, pharmacy bodies are calling on all political parties to commit to solving the
issues facing the sector.
The next UK general election will be held on 4 July, Sunak announced it on Wednesday afternoon during a press conference outside 10 Downing Street.
"As the election is called it's imperative that any incoming government addresses the crisis in primary care and the looming cliff edge facing pharmacies, which
for millions of people are the front door to the NHS and a crucial source of frontline health care," said Paul Rees, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy
Association (NPA).
Noting that the first responsibility of the government is to keep its people safe and healthy, he emphasised the importance of addressing the "deep funding gap
that is pushing record numbers of pharmacies to the edge of closure and beyond, exacerbating the issues of waiting lists for GPs and hospital care."
As the general election campaign heats up, major political parties - including Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats - have released their
manifestos, detailing their plans and visions for the future of community pharmacy.
While the Conservative Party promises to expand Pharmacy First initiative, Labour pledges support for small businesses, with plans to overhaul the business
rates system.
The Liberal Democrats' election manifesto commits to developing a fairer and more sustainable long-term funding model for pharmacies.
Announcing their plans recently, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that they are investing in community care services to secure the future of the NHS and make
healthcare more accessible.
The Conservatives plan to fund these initiatives by cutting NHS managerial positions back to pre-pandemic levels and halving the government's management
consultancy expenditure.
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has issued a challenge to all political parties to outline detailed plans aimed at maximising
the industry's role in driving UK health and economic prosperity.
In 2022, the pharmaceutical sector invested £9 billion in UK research and development, generating £16.4 billion in economic value and sustaining 126,000 high-skilled
jobs nationwide.
Ahead of the 2024 general elections, ABPI's Manifesto for Investment, Health, and Growth outlines a strategic framework to enhance patient care within the NHS.
It includes expanding access to new medicines through clinical trials and bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities.
It also includes creating additional high-skilled employment opportunities across the UK.
As per the association, the potential impact of these initiatives is substantial.
The Green Party has previewed its upcoming manifesto with a bold proposal for the National Health Service (NHS) and social care system, promising an
unprecedented level of investment to restore and enhance these critical services.
By 2030, the Greens aim to inject over £50 billion annually into health and social care, accompanied by an additional £20 billion capital investment to modernise
healthcare infrastructure.
Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay emphasised the urgency of these reforms, stating, "Our NHS is at breaking point following 14 years of underfunding."
"Patients are stuck in hospital corridors, people can't see their GP or NHS dentist when they need to, and staff are severely overstretched."
The manifesto highlights a comprehensive approach to revitalising the NHS, including:
In a significant event organised by Eastern Eye (EE), a sister publication of Pharmacy Business, political leaders gathered on July 1st to address pressing
issues affecting the Asian community
The EE election debate aimed to amplify their political voice and encourage participation in the political process.
The debate, moderated by Barnie Choudhury, Editor of Eastern Eye, saw prominent figures including Andrew Boff AM of the Conservative Party, Anneliese Dodds
represented Labour as Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, and Lord Richard Newby from the Liberal Democrats engaged in a robust discussion.
They fielded questions on various issues affecting the UK, including economic and social inequality, immigration, health inequalities, and funding cuts to
community pharmacies.
Amid an audience that included stakeholders from the pharmacy sector, a notable query focused on each party's stance on the role of community pharmacies and
their commitment to funding these vital services.
As the general election campaign continues, Labour is set to introduce a series of policies aimed at supporting small businesses.
On Saturday, Sir Keir Starmer, alongside shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves and other shadow cabinet ministers, is expected to unveil the party's plans for the sector.
Key proposals include an overhaul of the business rates system to enable high street shops to compete with online giants and ensure access to high street
banking services by accelerating the establishment of banking hubs.
Labour will also commit to addressing the issue of late payment of invoices by requiring large businesses to disclose their payment practices and "revitalise" high
streets by tackling antisocial behaviour.
Sir Keir described small businesses as "the beating heart of driving growth and creating jobs for local people."
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has promoted Louise Edwards to the position of Chief Strategy Officer and Deputy Registrar.
Louise is currently the Director of Regulation and Digital Transformation at the Electoral Commission, responsible for the organisation's regulatory work and
digital, data, technology and facilities infrastructure.
This includes funding and spending at elections and referendums, registering political parties, enforcement work, and data and information management.
Louise will take over Mark Voce, the GPhC's current Chief Strategy Officer and Deputy Registrar, who is retiring early in July 2024.
Louise said: "Pharmacy services are at the heart of health care for many people. Having effective regulation and standards in place can transform and give
confidence in the quality of care that people receive.
Healthcare reform emerged as a cornerstone of the Labour Party's manifesto leading up to the recent general election. A standout pledge was the establishment
of a Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service, aimed at granting pharmacists independent prescribing rights where clinically suitable. This initiative is seen as a
positive step in addressing critical challenges within the National Health Service (NHS).
Numark Chairman Harry McQuillan praised Labour's recognition of pharmacists' role in patient care through expanded prescribing rights.
"Let's be honest, pharmacists are an underutilised resource within the healthcare system. We possess extensive training and expertise, yet our full potential
hasn't always been acknowledged.
"By harnessing pharmacists expanded prescribing rights, Labour is acknowledging our significant role in patient care. This initiative aims to recognise our skills
and enhance patient care, ensuring quicker access to necessary treatments," he said.
However, he pointed out that the concept requires further exploration, as the rights to prescribe are already granted through the recent change to undergraduate
training that incorporates prescribing.
The Company Chemists' Association (CCA) has responded positively to the Labour Party's manifesto, which outlines plans to bolster community pharmacy
services and shift the NHS towards a more localized, prevention-focused model.
Key proposals include the creation of a Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service and the enhancement of care delivery in local communities.
Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA, expressed strong support for these initiatives and said:
"We welcome the Labour Party Manifesto's clear focus on moving to a 'Neighbourhood Health Service', prevention, and the return of the 'family doctor'."
"Harnessing community pharmacy is crucial to delivering each of these," Harrison added.