A majority of unbiased neighborhood pharmacies positioned close to chain pharmacies mentioned they’d be capable to look after any sufferers who’re being affected by closed shops or decreased hours, in response to a brand new ballot performed by the Nationwide Neighborhood Pharmacists Affiliation (NCPA).1
The brand new survey of 10000 unbiased pharmacy homeowners comes after among the main nationwide pharmacy chains mentioned they’re shuttering lots of of shops throughout the nation. CVS introduced earlier this yr that it plans to shut 900 shops by 2024, Forbes reported. In July, Walgreens mentioned that it plans to shut 150 areas and in addition cut back working hours at 1100 shops.2
Ceremony Support, the third largest pharmacy chain in america, is getting ready for chapter and has mentioned it can shut 400 to 500 shops as a part of ongoing negotiations with bondholders. The corporate has over $3 billion of debt and is going through lawsuit settlements associated to the opioid epidemic.2
“Chain pharmacies in america are closing left and proper, leaving People on each side of the aisle on the lookout for new pharmacies and unbiased pharmacies usually scrambling to rescue them,” B. Douglas Hoey, CEO at NCPA, mentioned in a launch.1 “It’s unclear if this is a chance or risk for unbiased pharmacies. However one factor is for certain: affected person entry to neighborhood pharmacies is in peril with out reforms to PBMs and the pharmacy cost mannequin.”
Within the survey, 43% of respondents mentioned they’re positioned close to a significant pharmacy chain retailer that’s being affected. Practically 90% of these respondents mentioned they’re able to soak up sufferers and over 60% mentioned they’re actively working to draw these sufferers by growing their promoting finances and rolling out focused advertising campaigns.
The NCPA survey additionally requested pharmacies about present worries and the way they’re being affected by the continuing drug scarcity. A high concern among the many respondents was low reimbursement from pharmacy profit managers (PBMs). They mentioned this challenge may make it more durable to compete for extra employees and sources.
Filling open employees positions was a problem for 58% of survey respondents. Pharmacy technicians have been in demand for 87% of respondents, adopted by front-end employees at 41%, pharmacists at 32%, and supply drivers at 17%. A scarcity of GLP-1 agonists was impacting 85% of survey respondents and 94% mentioned they’re experiencing a scarcity of Adderall or generics.
In regard to stock, 83% mentioned they plan to hold the up to date COVID-19 vaccines and 85% mentioned they’ll start carrying naloxone nasal spray. Moreover, 73% reported a latest enhance in gross sales of COVID-19 assessments.
“Modifications to the well being care system are important earlier than it’s too late—not only for the pharmacies struggling to remain afloat, however for the sufferers who’re caught within the crossfire simply attempting to obtain care,” mentioned Hoey.
References
1. NCPA Survey: Chain Pharmacy Closures an Alternative and a Menace for Independents. Information Launch. NCPA. September 28, 2023. Accessed September 29, 2023. https://ncpa.org/newsroom/news-releases/2023/09/28/ncpa-survey-chain-pharmacy-closures-opportunity-and-threat
2. Danziger PN. Drugstore Downsizing: CVS, Walgreens And Ceremony Support To Shut Practically 1,500 Shops. Information Report. Forbes. September 27, 2023. Accessed September 29, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/websites/pamdanziger/2023/09/27/drugstore-downsizing-cvs-walgreens-and-rite-aid-to-close-nearly-1500-stores/
