The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pharmacy (APPG) has launched an immediate inquiry into the financial and operational impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on community pharmacy services.

A statement issued today (Tuesday November 18) by the APPG said: "MPs say pharmacy teams have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, with community pharmacies remaining open in the face of unprecedented demand.

"However, a unique set of challenges are posing a threat to the sustainability of the sector and the inquiry has been called with a view to securing extra support from the Government and NHS on any extra needs identified."

The inquiry aims to examine how pharmacy has coped and responded during the pandemic, the pressures frontline pharmacy teams and pharmacy owners have faced, and whether existing funding structures have been enough to support the sector. A survey and call for evidence have been launched by the APPG today. The closing date for responses is November 30.  

At the conclusion of the inquiry the APPG will publish a report and a set of recommendations on what support and reforms are needed for the sector to remain sustainable in the future.

Chair of the All-Party Pharmacy Group, Jackie Doyle-Price, said: “Pharmacy teams have responded heroically in the face of unprecedented pressure during the pandemic. However, we are hearing so many examples of how the financial and operational challenges faced by community pharmacies are being amplified by the pandemic, in many cases posing an existential threat to them.

“Our inquiry seeks to rapidly examine these challenges and provide a set of recommendations which can be offered to the Government.”

Pharmacists wanting to supply evidence to the APPG should contact: contact@pharmacyappg.co.uk