Cost of medicines blamed for Coventry pharmacy closures

A pharmacist and the National Pharmacy Association say rising medicine costs and low remuneration have contributed to numerous pharmacy closures in Coventry; the Department of Health says community pharmacy funding has been increased to £3.1bn.

Pharmacists, an industry body and a government spokesperson have described financial pressure on community pharmacies in Coventry. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) reports Coventry among areas with high numbers of closures over the past three years. A local pharmacist, Nishant Parmar of Acorn Pharmacy in Willenhall, said rising medicine costs and outdated remuneration arrangements are squeezing firms' finances. The Department of Health said it has increased community pharmacy funding to £3.1bn and aims to address a period of underfunding. Key reported points: - NPA figures indicate Coventry has seen many pharmacy closures in the last three years. - Pharmacist Nishant Parmar said drug remuneration does not match market prices and that many pharmacies break even or operate at a loss. - The NPA said about two-thirds of pharmacies in England operated at a loss in 2025 and its chairman warned this affects patient access and NHS resilience. - The Department of Health reported a rise in community pharmacy funding to £3.1bn and described this as an effort to reverse underfunding. - Pharmacists reported patients sometimes struggle to find required medicines or receive full quantities when stock is limited. Summary: The reported combination of higher medicine costs and funding pressures is presented as leading to closures and financial strain for many community pharmacies, with potential implications for patient access. The Department of Health has announced an increase in community pharmacy funding to £3.1bn while the NPA continues to report widespread losses among pharmacies. Undetermined at this time.