MPs call for pharmacist flexibilities and reimbursement review

A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy urges Government to publish its long-overdue response on pharmacist flexibilities and review pharmacy reimbursement.

Published today, the report assesses progress on supply issues since the APPG’s Inquiry into Medicines Shortages in England in July 2025. Drawing on evidence from stakeholders across the supply chain, the new report credits some progress but concludes that most of the structural problems identified last year remain.

The APPG warns that pharmacies are acting as the system’s shock absorber without being resourced for it: teams spend significant time every week sourcing medicines and finding alternatives, and are frequently buying medicines for more than the NHS reimburses them.

Community Pharmacy England provided evidence at a recent APPG meeting and the latest findings closely align with our 2026 Pharmacy Pressures Survey, which indicates medicines shortages are worsening, with 72% of pharmacy team members saying their patients are being affected daily by medicines shortages.

Government and the NHS must now focus on prevention, resilience and better use of pharmacists’ expertise to improve patient access to medicines. The APPG’s report sets out five priorities for them to do so:

1. Implement pharmacist flexibilities, publish the consultation response and bring forward the changes without delay.
2. Improve visibility of shortages and available stock across community pharmacy, hospitals and general practice, including at the point of prescribing.
3. Strengthen forecasting, data sharing and supply-chain intelligence so risks are identified before they become shortages.
4. Build resilience into pricing, reimbursement and procurement, and measure it — review reimbursement as part of Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework reform and set clear indicators of progress.
5. Treat medicines security as a strategic national priority, backed by sustained action across Government, the NHS and industry.

Read the ‘Inquiry into Medicines Shortages in England: One Year On’ report

Community Pharmacy England has been pressing Government for action for some time and will continue to highlight medicines supply issues, pushing for the reforms needed to support the pharmacy teams and provide fairer reimbursement, as well as calling for a full review of the medicines supply market

Dr. James Davies, Director of Research and Insights at Community Pharmacy England, said:

“Today’s APPG report highlights the significant impact medicines shortages continue to have on patients, pharmacy teams and the wider NHS. Community pharmacy teams work tirelessly to resolve supply problems and maintain patient access to treatment.

However, it is deeply frustrating that pharmacist flexibility reforms remain undelivered despite widespread support and the Government taking many months to reach a decision. At a time when shortages remain commonplace, the pace of progress has not matched the urgency of the challenge.

The Government must now move quickly to implement pharmacist flexibilities, improve visibility across the supply chain, and ensure reimbursement arrangements reflect market realities. Patients need a system that can respond faster and more effectively when shortages occur.”