Pharmacy Chains Face Revolt as Staff Stage Walkouts
Originally Published 2 years ago — by USA TODAY
Pharmacists in America's broken pharmacy system are experiencing dangerous levels of burnout and facing increasing pressure to meet corporate quotas, leading to medication errors and compromised patient safety. Retail pharmacy chains like CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart have slashed staffing levels while adding more responsibilities, resulting in overwhelmed pharmacists who struggle to meet demands without cutting corners. The industry has seen high-profile walkouts and protests, highlighting the dire working conditions. State regulatory bodies have been slow to intervene, but some states are now proposing rules to improve working conditions. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have also contributed to the crisis by eroding pharmacy profits and steering patients away from independent pharmacies. Medication errors are on the rise, but there is no comprehensive public data on the issue.
