The body representing community pharmacists in Northern Ireland has told a Stormont committee that recurrent funding difficulties, coupled with the increase in National Insurance Contributions, will see more pharmacies close their doors.
The sector has been grappling with a funding deficit of £20 million per year for more than a decade.
According to Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI), many pharmacists have been defaulting on their wholesaler bills, a clear indicator of the severity of the financial strain being felt across the community pharmacy network.
In a recent survey carried out of community pharmacy contractors, an alarming 43% of respondents had been unable to pay their medicine bills on time over recent months.
The survey also revealed that in the past six months, a concerning 81% have said that they would not recommend the profession to others, a stark contrast to the vital role they play in providing healthcare services to communities across Northern Ireland.
CPNI told MLAs that these existing issues will be compounded by the rise in National Insurance Contributions and wage increases which will see a £12.4 million burden being added to the recurring £20 million deficit.
Turlough Hamill, Community Pharmacist, Hamills Pharmacy, Portadown said:
“Community pharmacies are at a breaking point and the financial pressures passed an unsustainable level long ago. It is no exaggeration to say that without prompt intervention, the very future of community pharmacy services is at risk, leaving patients without essential access to medicines and advice.
“Many contractors have had to subsidise costs with personal savings or defer payments, resulting in medicines being withheld, as well as take out loans at high interest rates. Another community pharmacy closed at the end of February 2025 due to financial pressures and there have been 17 closures in the 2-year period to Dec’24 compared to 9 in the previous 8 years.
“Of course, we acknowledge the funding challenges within the health service, but it is important that we bring a sense of reality here today to the situation facing community pharmacy in Northern Ireland and by extension, primary care and the wider health service.
“We are calling on the Department of Health to address and resolve the fundamental funding model once and for all.”
Many pharmacists have told CPNI that relentless financial and operational pressures are negatively impacting their mental health, personal lives, and overall well-being. While they remain passionate about their profession, the current environment makes it an increasingly unsustainable career choice.
Community pharmacy representatives have now warned MLAs that without urgent action, the sector will face reduced services, limiting patient access to care, more pharmacy closures and cuts to opening hours and staff, negatively impacting local communities.