87% rural English council areas faced pharmacy closures over two years, warns NPA of worsening health disparities; urges government to reverse 40% budget cuts.

A report by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) reveals a significant pharmacy shortage in rural England, with 87% of council areas facing closures in the past two years. Many rural locations, particularly West Berkshire, have the fewest pharmacies per capita. The NPA warns this trend could exacerbate health disparities and urges the government to reverse a decade-long, 40% budget cut to stabilize the pharmacy network and ensure access to essential healthcare.

September 02, 2024
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