The article highlights the urgent issues faced by pharmacists due to medication shortages, which jeopardize patient health. According to a survey by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), over 500 pharmacies report daily prescription dispensary problems, necessitating patients to revisit their GPs for alternatives. This is not only inconvenient but poses risks for patients who may need immediate care. The NPA urges the government to allow pharmacists more authority to substitute medications safely, thereby reducing wait times and health risks, ultimately advocating for improved healthcare access.
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Patients are being put at risk of serious illness as pharmacists are unable to dispense vital medications due to drug shortages, industry leaders have warned.
The NPA, which represents 6,000 independent community pharmacies, is calling on the government to grant greater flexibility for pharmacists to substitute medication.
The current rules state that if a prescription is out of stock, patients need to go back to their GP to get an alternative medication.
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