More than 300,000 people have signed the #saveourpharmaciespetition in support of hard-pressed community pharmacies
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) will deliver the national #saveourpharmacies petition to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting on September 19.
Over 300,000 people have signed the cross-sector petition in support of hard-pressed community pharmacies across the UK, which have been ravaged by funding cuts over the past decade.
The NPA is inviting pharmacy bodies in England to join them on the second national pharmacy day of action to demonstrate unity in calling for a new deal to support the pharmacy sector.
Earlier this year, the NPA distributed petition sheets to pharmacies across the country to maximise the number of signatories to increase pressure on the government to act in support of the pharmacy network.
In preparation for the September 19 day of action, the NPA is sending out thousands of campaign packs including medicine bag stickers, posters, and postcards, to pharmacies across the UK.
Through these materials, the NPA is urging pharmacies and their patients to highlight the issues of funding cuts and closures.
Paul Rees, NPA chief executive, said: “This huge petition shows the depth of support for community pharmacies and show public alarm that they have been left to decline and close over many years.
“There has been an amazing effort by pharmacies – NPA members and also many non members - to gather support for our vital sector.
“It is so powerful for us to come together and rally behind the simple message that pharmacies need proper support and they need it now.”
Paul highlighted the pressing issues of rising costs, increased workloads, and decreased funding that have led to “a devastating wave of pharmacy closures.”
“This has to stop or millions of patients will suffer, not to mention the impact on the NHS and the nation’s amazing pharmacy teams,” he said.
Approximately 6,000 pharmacies participated the previous #saveourpharmacies campaign in June by dimming their lights, wearing black, and engaging on social media to spotlight the issues facing the sector.
