The Welsh Government has reached an agreement with the NHS and Community Pharmacy Wales on the terms of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) for 2025-26.
Pharmacies in Wales will get a 4 percent increase in the total funding payable to the sector this year.
While making this announcement, cabinet secretary for health and social services Jeremy Miles MS said, "Remuneration for community pharmacy falls outside the scope of the NHS Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) recommendations, however, we previously committed to a fair and proportionate pay uplift across primary care, covering community pharmacies, NHS optometrists, all staff working in general practice and NHS dental services, in recognition of the vital role they play in delivering essential services to people throughout Wales.
The 4 percent increase in the community pharmacy contract, which equates to an additional £7m this year, will see the value of CPCF fees and allowances rise to £182m – an increase of nearly 30 percent since 2016-17.
Miles said this record level of investment recognises the role community pharmacies play and rewards the effort and dedication of community pharmacy teams.
"The measures agreed as part of this funding package will help ensure the NHS maximises the use of the skills and expertise of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and the wider pharmacy team in every community in Wales," he added.
The investment is expected to help address the immediate challenges faced by community pharmacies in Wales.
