"Pharmacy Closures Surge Amid Funding Crisis"
Pharmacies in Northern Ireland are facing a funding crisis, leading to the closure of 12 businesses over the past 18 months. Pharmacists are dispensing prescription medicines at a loss and relying on sales of non-medical items to stay afloat. Community Pharmacy NI is calling for increased funding and a specific drug tariff for Northern Ireland. The Department of Health has a strategic plan to increase core funding, but full implementation will require additional resources. The crisis is impacting patient access to medicines and the financial stability of pharmacies.
