Pharmaceutical wholesaler Mawdsleys is launching a Cuts Survival Pack’ campaign aimed at helping community pharmacies deal with the impact of government funding reductions.

The survival pack, which will be distributed to thousands of local pharmacists in England, highlights how the use of technology, including PMR systems and order management software, in addition to more efficient business practices, can offset the impact of proposed pharmacy cuts by protecting revenue.

Mawdsleys’ campaign comes in support of action by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which has launched a petition opposing the cuts that has so far received half-a-million signatures at an average of 20,000 per day.

It is estimated the proposed cuts, which are yet to be finalised, will equate to a £170 million reduction in funding to pharmacies.

Dr Omar Shakoor, Pharmaceutical Services Director at Mawdsleys, and an expert with many years of community pharmacy management experience, said, ‘With the prospect of significant funding cuts, it is important pharmacists ensure they are making the best use of technology and wider business practices in order to protect revenue.

‘It seems obvious but making sure the basics are done should provide an excellent foundation on which to build. For example, ensuring you are being reimbursed correctly is a simple yet significant step towards improving your cash flow, as is claiming back VAT on prescription drug purchases. It is in cases like this that an effective use of a pharmacy’s PMR systems is crucial, as it will help to make a reasonable estimate of overall NHS income and enable payments to be monitored in accordance to this.’

In total, Mawdsleys’ ‘Cuts Survival Pack includes five main tips for helping pharmacists protect their revenue.

They are as follows:

  • Ensure you are being reimbursed correctly
  • Generate additional income
  • Maximise your retail opportunity
  • Ensure you are buying efficiently
  • Ensure you are buying profitably

 

Mawdsleys’ Pharmacy Cuts Survival Packs will be distributed to independent pharmacies throughout England in the coming weeks. For more information, contact Mawdsleys on 0161 742 3300.