Kent LPC

26/03/2024

On Wednesday 20th March, Our CEO, Mark Anyaegbuna, participated in discussions both on BBC Radio Kent and at the House of Parliament alongside a group of pharmacy owners. The purpose was to underscore the repercussions of pharmacies dispensing at a loss, which is leading to permanent closures within the sector.

During his appearance, Mark Anyaegbuna emphasized the positive reception of Pharmacy First in our communities, highlighting substantial engagement with community pharmacies. However, he stressed that this positive reception doesn't overshadow the chronic underfunding prevalent in the sector.

Furthermore, Mark highlighted the significant concern of medicine shortages within the sector. He pointed out that pharmacies dedicate considerable time each day to source medications, and when available, these medicines are often purchased at prices higher than the government's reimbursement rates. Consequently, pharmacies find themselves constantly dispensing at a loss, a situation this is simply unsustainable.

Mark also emphasized the potential for pharmacies to contribute more to the healthcare system but underscored the necessity for adequate funding to enable this. He emphasized the crucial role pharmacies play in treating minor ailments within the community, thereby alleviating the burden on general practice, and ensuring that appointment slots are available for individuals requiring more complex care.

The overarching message conveyed by Mark forms part of campaign led by Leyla Hannbeck and Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) aimed at advocating for adequate funding and support for pharmacies. Mark Anyaegbuna

You can access Mark’s full interview by clicking the link below.

BBC Radio Kent Interview with Mark Anyaegbuna (Chief Executive Office CPK) on the 20th March 2024

26/03/2024

We are pleased to acknowledge the participation of Amish Patel, Chair of Community Pharmacy Kent, and Mark Anyaegbuna, CEO of Community Pharmacy Kent, in the recent documentary on Wednesday 20th March, broadcasted by BBC Southeast as part of the campaign.

Their contribution shed light on the critical issues of medicine shortages and government reimbursement below cost price, both of which significantly impact the community pharmacy sector. The necessity for community pharmacies to dispense at a loss has become increasingly unsustainable.

We extend our gratitude to BBC Southeast for providing a platform to address these pressing concerns facing the sector. Well done and thank you to Leyla Hannbeck and Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) for organizing the campaign.
Amish Patel, Mark Anyaegbuna, Cedi Frederick FIoD, FCMI, FRSA, MInst LM GGA, Naomi Finch, Adeyinka Jolaoso, Priya Mattu, Leyla Hannbeck, Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp)

Click below for the clip-on BBC Southeast

BBC South East interview with Amish Patel (Chair Community Pharmacy Kent) on the 20th March 2024 featuring Mark Anyaegbuna (Chief Executive Officer Community...

11/05/2022

Did you hear our very own CEO Mark Anyaegbuna
on BBC Radio Kent this morning with the lovely Anna Cookson?. Mark was addressing the concerns around medication shortages within Kent at the moment, the discussion highlighted patient concerns around HRT and hayfever medication supply and allowed Mark to highlight how pharmacist play a huge part in helping to support patients in times like this. If you missed the show you can catch up now on BBC Radio Kent's website by selecting Anna's breakfast show. Let us know you views on this subject...

10/05/2022

Great award recognition by Healthwatch on the outstanding work Community pharmacies across Kent and Medway have done in helping our communities back on its feet during COVID pandemic. Kent LPC was recognised for ensuring that community pharmacies were heard by policy makers during the pandemic.

10/05/2022

Our chair Amish Patel from Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield met His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at a special reception at St James’s Palace this week (Wednesday 4 May).
The event recognised the work of pharmacists across the United Kingdom, in the light of their extraordinary contribution to the health of the nation during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Patel was among nearly two hundred pharmacists invited to the palace for the occasion.
Mr Patel said: “It was great to meet the Prince of Wales in person and to hear his enthusiasm for the services we offer to the public.”
In a speech, The Prince of Wales paid tribute to the work of pharmacies on the NHS frontline:
“You are a very familiar fixture in the nation’s high streets and neighbourhoods – something that people have come to rely on and value tremendously over generations. As well as providing prompt access to advice and treatment, of course the great thing is you are also a friendly and reassuring presence in our communities. A place where science, as it were, meets society. As I have said once before, pharmacies are about people and places, not just pills.”

10/05/2022