The Dispensing Doctors’ Association has launched the Rural Access to Medicines and Pharmacy Services Under Pressure (RAMP UP) campaign. 

This calls for politicians to use their voice to secure fair pay for NHS GP dispensaries and for rural patients to secure equitable and sustainable access to NHS medicines. 

New analysis of pharmacy closures over the last two years shows that rural areas have been hit hardest by a wave of pharmacy closures. Around the country, nearly nine in 10 council areas across England have lost their pharmacies.

BMJ research shows that over a decade 20 per cent of GP practices have closed. 

NHS funding for the GP dispensing service – the ‘cost’ element of the dispensing fee – saw a zero uplift this year. 

This goes against the aims of the 6 per cent funding award for doctors’ and dentists’ pay accepted by the Government and given to GPs to pay for staff (excluding dispensing staff). 

The DDA has published a range of patient briefing materials and template MP letters to support the RAMP UP campaign. 

Access these online at: https://www.dispensingdoctor.org/about-the-dda/dda-political-lobby-documents/