THE Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester has called for action to tackle drug shortages and more investment in pharmacies after a visit to a Winchester High Street pharmacy.
Danny Chambers visited the Wellbeing Pharmacy this week to meet staff and discuss problems facing the sector.
Pharmacies have seen a sharp increase in the number of drug shortages in recent years. A 2024 report by Community Pharmacies UK found that 79 per cent of pharmacy workers believe patient health is being put at risk by medicine shortages.
In addition, 99 per cent of pharmacies are experiencing shortages weekly and medicine shortages are adding to the workload of GPs, adding more pressure to their sector.
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Medicine shortages are contributing to the financial difficulties already faced by pharmacies, because of increased costs and insufficient reimbursement due to the government contract.
Three quarters of pharmacies are experiencing financial loss, and an average of seven are closing each week. Mr Chambers said that it is “extremely concerning” that Winchester patients are facing medicine shortages and has called on the government to provide more support to fix the devastating legacy of the last Conservative government.
He will be attending an event by the Community Pharmacy England in Parliament in September, and raised primary care funding in his first contribution in the House of Commons.
Mr Chambers said: "Pharmacies play a crucial role in delivering cost-effective and convenient healthcare within our communities, helping people receive the treatment they need locally rather than in hospitals when their conditions worsen.
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"The challenges currently facing pharmacies are placing significant strain on our GPs, hospitals and, most importantly, on people's health.
"It is extremely concerning that so many patients in Winchester are struggling with medicine shortages.
"As the new government addresses the failures of the previous Conservative administration, it is imperative that they offer robust, long-term financial support to the pharmacy sector and take decisive action to end shortages of essential medicines."
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