Community pharmacies in England will continue to receive the free protective equipment (PPE) as the Government's scheme has been extended for another year until
March 2024.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced that it will continue to supply all categories of PPE, free of charge, for frontline health and social
care staff according to demand until the end of March 2024, or when stocks run out.
Last year, DHSC implemented a new and improved portal platform for eligible providers to access free COVID-19 related PPE supplies.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Commitee (PSNC) said: "Community pharmacy teams can continue to order PPE from the NHS PPE portal for free for as long as
stock is available."
E-pharmacy, a digital platform also known as internet pharmacy or online pharmacy, has emerged as an escape route to longstanding queues at pharmacy stores
across almost all regions of the world, especially during the Covid-19 health crisis realm.
They have long been recognised to act promptly in public health response, like ensuring an effective medicine supply system, resolving and monitoring drug shortage
issues, educating about the proper use of PPE, promoting remote pharmacy services, and conducting drug evaluation and active surveillance.
These factors will support in easing the load on healthcare facilities during the ongoing pandemic, eventually adding value to patients and the healthcare system.
Overall, the e-pharmacy market size is expanding in terms of valuation on the back of regulations and standards laid by the respective governments.
As per a recent study by Global Market Insights, the global e-pharmacy industry accounted for a business share of $68 billion in 2021 with an anticipated growth
rate of 16.8 per cent through 2028.