Pharmacy leaders have warned that pharmacies in England are still “teetering on the brink” despite an uplift in their funding announced earlier this year.
About 90% of an average pharmacy’s funding is provided by the NHS, which is supposed to cover the cost of core services such as dispensing prescription medication and running vaccination campaigns, but this has historically been cut.
Mr Kolia said: “It’s very difficult at the moment for pharmacies. In so many ways we’ve been squeezed at every point and survival is now a big question.”
He told the BBC that despite challenges, the business was “getting through it”, but said: “I’ve used up most of my savings and had to borrow from friends and family to support my business.
“We’re having to invest and pay from our own pockets to fund the NHS.”
The report by Community Pharmacy England – based on a survey of more than 800 pharmacy owners – said 45% were using personal savings to keep their businesses afloat.
According to the report, rising operational costs, inflation, staff wages, and unpredictable income were undermining their ability to operate sustainably.
It said: “With around 90% of most pharmacies’ income coming from dispensing medicines and delivering NHS services, rising cost pressures are threatening their ability to continue offering vital patient care.”
