Community pharmacy will play a key role in supporting recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, first minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, said on Monday (September 6).
“As well as being an essential clinical resource, community pharmacy is an economic driver. As we rebuild after the pandemic, you (community pharmacy) will be one of the anchors that help maintain the vitality of local high streets,” Drakeford said, while addressing the centenary celebration of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) in Cardiff.
Praising the work of pharmacy teams during the pandemic, the first minister assured support to the sector from across the political spectrum in Wales.
Health & social services minister, Eluned Morgan, said the lessons of the pandemic would “help us further develop the role of pharmacies”.
She also aimed to reach an agreement with community pharmacy stakeholders in Wales later in this financial year that would enable an extended range of services across the country.
Wales’ chief pharmaceutical officer Andrew Evans, who also attended the event, said the NPA would play an important role in reinventing community pharmacy service.
The event was hosted by the NPA’s board representative for Wales, Raj Aggarwal OBE.
