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2/3/2012
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No “economic justification” for 100-hour pharmacies, says Avicenna chief
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Salim Jetha, the chief executive of Avicenna.
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Salim Jetha, the chief executive of Avicenna, has told Pharmacy Business that there is “no economic justification” for the existence of 100-hour pharmacies, which have become a means for doctors to make more money at the expense of independent pharmacists.
Pharmacy bodies have called on the government to act on current market entry guidelines surrounding 100-hour pharmacies, including tougher Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments and a freeze on 100-hour applications.
Indeed, the IPF said the 100-hour loophole should be closed from April. Jetha added his voice to the swell of discontent surrounding 100-hour pharmacies.
“There is no economic justification in 100-hour opening. This is particularly true (where) independents (are concerned) as supermarkets have already absorbed the fixed overhead cost. Each opening costs cash-strapped PCTs over £40,000, which can lead to cut-backs in patient services and marginalise the existing pharmaceutical network,” he said.
“Now GP surgeries are trying to cash in. Whilst officially there is no prescription direction, the reality is somewhat different. Most of the population can access a 100-hour pharmacy within a 15 to 20-minute drive, so why should the tax payer foot the bill (when) cost savings can be diverted to patient services?”
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