The future of retail pharmacies is uncertain as the rise of online pharmacies and changing consumer preferences threaten their traditional business model. Dubbed "Pharmageddon," this shift has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with more people turning to online options for convenience and safety. Retail pharmacies must adapt by embracing technology, expanding services, and focusing on personalized patient care to remain relevant in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from multiple retail chains, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens, have launched a three-day walkout called "Pharmageddon" to protest deteriorating working conditions. The movement, estimated to have drawn around 4,500 participants, aims to draw attention to the lack of staff and resources, which jeopardizes patient safety. The walkout is the latest in a series of protests impacting the industry, with previous closures of CVS and Walgreens pharmacies. While the companies claim minimal disruptions, participants argue that understaffing and increased workload have led to medication errors and burnout. The walkout organizers seek improved staffing levels and pay for pharmacy technicians, as well as safer working environments.
