The medicines supply disruption and rising purchase prices is taking a toll on pharmacy owners, as they have to cope with uncertainties regarding medicine availability and NHS reimbursements.
In September, 248 products were granted price concession and further requests are still under consideration by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
This means that the numbers could rise and surpass the previous record of 257 set in June.
Since it takes time for DHSC to decide on so many products, pharmacy owners are unsure whether a concession will be granted.
They are often forced to purchase medicines without knowing the price they will be reimbursed, adding further strain to already stretched businesses.
Despite their best efforts, pharmacy teams continue to spend time considerable sourcing stock, managing prescriptions and explaining delays or alternatives to patients and prescribers.
The products granted price concession in September includes high-volume, commonly prescribed treatments for hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, antibiotics for infections, and more.
Pharmacies subsidising NHS
Community Pharmacy England said it continues to raise the impact of low drug tariff prices and pharmacies having to subsidise the NHS with Ministers.
"We are also calling for a more resilient medicines supply chain, a more effective medicines margin framework and a fundamental review of the reimbursement model.
"Fair reimbursement when market prices rise unexpectedly is essential both to protect pharmacy businesses and to safeguard patients’ access to medicines."
In its recently published 2025/26 Annual Report, the CPE said it has secured thousands of price concessions worth £153 million during the year.
Uncertainty for pharmacists
CPE Director of Research and Insights Dr James Davies said: “Pharmacy owners and their teams know only too well the disruption caused when purchase prices rise and concession decisions remain outstanding.
"They are left sourcing medicines in a volatile market without certainty that their costs will be covered, while also managing the impact on patients. We need a reimbursement system that responds more quickly and fairly to real market conditions, alongside decisive action to improve medicines supply resilience.
"In the meantime, every above-Tariff price report strengthens the evidence we can take to Government, and our forthcoming webinar will give pharmacy teams a further opportunity to share their experiences and hear how we are pressing for change.”
Webinar for pharmacists
The CPE is hosting a webinar on price concessions on 15 October at 7pm for pharmacy owners to discuss price concessions and medicines supply issues.
The online session will explain current market pressures, what happens after an above-tariff report is submitted, how concession prices are reached, and the improvements being sought from Government.
Participants will also be able to raise concerns and share feedback that can be taken into discussions with DHSC.
