Pharmacy is undoubtedly facing challenges. Proposed ownership changes, funding issues, workforce constraints, poor prescribing quality and software challenges continue to have a significant daily impact on community pharmacy. We hear you and continue to work hard for members to address these problems and work towards solutions.
Despite ongoing pressures, there is growing momentum across the sector, with positive signals for optimism. From stronger professional recognition, to new opportunities for service delivery, the future of the sector is starting to show early signs of looking brighter.
Most significantly, there is increased awareness of pharmacists’ expertise and their vital role in the healthcare system. Through our interactions, we’re consistently seeing greater recognition from politicians and health officials of the role community pharmacy plays as critical infrastructure in the broader health sector, and potential future opportunities.
Many political leaders have asked us to provide advice on what else pharmacy can offer to grow its scope of practice. The recent Extended Pharmacy Service roll-out, with more confirmed to come and more funding allocated, is evidence of this shift towards pharmacist-led care as the first point of contact as primary healthcare professionals.
Another positive signal is the increased number of pharmacy interns forecast in coming years. I hope this demonstrates growing positivity among young people
toward the career choice of becoming a pharmacist. If this continues, hopefully this should begin to provide some relief from the current workforce constraints, moving forward.
These developments are exciting because they confirm an opportunity for progression towards a thriving, rewarding community pharmacy sector.
We are focused on achieving this and remain committed to a collaborative approach with others in the sector, working both on realising the opportunities ahead, and addressing the challenges we face, helping the sector build a more sustainable future. By working together, community pharmacy is well placed to embrace change and continue delivering exceptional care to New Zealanders.