Overview

• The UK Government and Community Pharmacy England finalized a £617 million funding package over two years, marking the first full-year agreement since 2023.
• The deal includes writing off £193 million in debt for community pharmacy owners to provide financial stability and confidence entering the new financial year.
• Key reforms will expand pharmacy services, including free emergency contraception, improved mental health support, and incentives for identifying undiagnosed high blood pressure.
• The funding aims to shift healthcare services from hospitals and GPs to pharmacies, improving accessibility and reducing NHS waiting lists.
• While pharmacy leaders welcome the deal as a step forward, they warn it falls short of addressing the true cost of providing services and call for further reforms.