MP Annette Brooke Condemns Government Decision on Regulation of Pharmacies
August 19, 2004 12:00 AM
Commenting on the government's announcement to deregulate the pharmacy market, in line with Office of Fair Trading proposals last year, Annette Brooke MP said:
"I am very concerned that the new plans could jeopardise smaller chemists and those in rural areas who serve the most vulnerable people in our communities. Deregulation of the market which enables supermarkets to open pharmacies could put smaller pharmacies out of business."
"In spite of the massive campaign last year which highlighted the threat to smaller, independent and community pharmacies, the government has ignored the concerns of the thousands of people who signed petitions to support the vital services of pharmacists in rural and smaller communities."
The Office of Fair Trading published a report last year proposing the deregulation of the pharmacy market, which currently issues licences to pharmacies to ensure an even spread of pharmacies across communities which was immediately condemned by the National Pharmaceutical Association and organisations representing independent pharmacies. The new plans will make it easier for supermarkets in out-of-town shopping centres and those opening over 100 hours a week to get a licence.
Those who rely on smaller, local pharmacies - such as the elderly, the disabled, people with young children or those without cars - may find in future that such pharmacies are forced to close due to lack of custom, as have many smaller grocery stores, as supermarkets take business away from independent shops.
MPs, including Annette Brooke, are outraged that these plans have been announced in the middle of the summer recess and will therefore not be subject to the usual debate and scrutiny until early September when the House of Commons sits again. Mrs. Brooke will be writing to the Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, to express again her concerns about these plans.
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