Decline in Community Pharmacy Availability in deprived Areas of England

Recent research highlights a concerning decline in the availability of community pharmacies across England, particularly impacting deprived areas with poorer health outcomes. A study conducted by researchers from Newcastle University, the University of Manchester, and Health Equity North analyzed data from 2014 to 2023 and found that while over 90% of the population lives within a 20-minute walk to a pharmacy, the overall number of pharmacies has decreased from 1.6 to 1.5 per 10,000 people. Notably, the most deprived regions experienced a 65% higher likelihood of losing their local pharmacy compared to wealthier areas.

Pharmacies are vital components of the healthcare system, offering accessible services such as smoking cessation programs, contraceptive support, hypertension screening, and flu vaccinations. Despite their importance, recent funding cuts and closures have led to increased health inequalities. The study revisited the 'positive pharmacy care law,' which suggests that deprived communities should have better access to local pharmacies. Although this law remains valid, its influence has lessened over time, and access is shrinking especially in the most vulnerable areas.

Numerical analysis revealed that in 2014, deprived areas had 2.28 pharmacies per 10,000 people, which declined to 2.01 in 2023. Conversely, the least deprived areas saw a reduction from 1.37 to 1.33 per 10,000 people. The decline was most significant in urban regions, with an 8.2% decrease in pharmacy availability. These trends mean more residents in disadvantaged communities will rely on fewer pharmacies, limiting access to essential clinical services.

Experts warn that ongoing funding reductions threaten the capacity of community pharmacies to deliver extended healthcare services, which may lead to further health disparities. Reinvestment in pharmacy networks is vital to address current challenges and support the delivery of public health initiatives in underserved areas.

As lead author Eman Zied Abozied emphasized, without adequate funding and strategic support, the strain on pharmacies serving high-need communities could intensify, potentially widening existing health inequalities. Health authorities are urged to consider increased investment to sustain pharmacy services and improve healthcare equity across England.