Health secretary Victoria Atkins struggles to defend 'Pharmacy First' initiative amidst past policy critiques

Pharmacy First debate sparks over past healthcare policies amidst Conservative pledge for future reforms as general elections approach

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins was recently quizzed about the Conservative party's previous attempt to reduce community pharmacies under Theresa May's leadership.

This critique arises as the Conservatives pledge to construct 100 new GP surgeries in England and increase available appointments by expanding treatments in the community.

The party also plans to extend the range of treatments pharmacies can offer without prior GP consultation.

However, Labour dismisses this announcement as another hollow pledge from the Tories on health.

During her conversation on GB News, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins defended the new "pharmacy first" initiative, emphasising its success in providing care for basic conditions and relieving pressure on GP services.

Atkins stressed, "So pharmacy first. We launched this at the beginning of the year, and in its first month, we saw 120,000 people being looked after under pharmacy."

She highlighted the importance of utilising highly skilled pharmacists to their full potential and improving patient access to healthcare.

She noted, "It means that we can get access to healthcare much more quickly than if we were waiting for these most basic conditions through GP practices."

When confronted about Theresa May's previous attempt to cut community pharmacies, Atkins initially expressed unfamiliarity with the policy but acknowledged the essential role of community pharmacies in the healthcare system.

The GB News reporter pressed Atkins to admit that slashing community pharmacies was a mistake, saying, "She tried to slash community pharmacies."

Atkins, while initially deflecting, eventually said, "I'm doing everything I can, I'm not familiar with that policy. I'm being honest. All I can focus on is what I can control."

The conversation reflects scrutiny over past healthcare policies and the Conservative party's commitment to evolving healthcare delivery.

Despite the acknowledgment of past challenges, Atkins remains steadfast in promoting the pharmacy first initiative as a vital component of accessible and efficient healthcare services.