As the government offers GPs an additional £889m in a new contract set to start in April 2025, Jay Badenhorst, director of pharmacy at the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA), highlights a 'troubling disparity' in support for the community pharmacy sector.

While the government’s proposed GP reforms and significant funding boost are welcome steps to alleviate pressures in general practice, they highlight a troubling disparity in support for pharmacists.

Pharmacists are integral to primary care delivery, yet these announcements create uncertainty and fail to recognise pharmacists' critical contributions to patient care and the healthcare system.

Community pharmacies in England have been working without any contract in place for months, with the English government promising to consult with Community Pharmacy England shortly in the New Year.

Pharmacists are increasingly relied upon to deliver vital primary care services, including medication reviews, chronic disease management, vaccinations and preventative care.

Through schemes like Pharmacy First, pharmacists are saving thousands of GP appointments by managing minor illnesses and advising patients on conditions that would otherwise burden general practice. This shift demonstrates the trust patients and the NHS place in pharmacists' clinical expertise.

The Pharmacy First scheme is a prime example of pharmacists stepping up to ease the pressure on GPs. The scheme frees up GP appointments for patients with more complex needs by enabling pharmacists to treat minor ailments and provide advice.

However, while this workload is being transferred to pharmacists, it is not accompanied by the recognition, funding, or strategic planning needed to support them in this expanded role. Pharmacists face increased patient demand without equivalent investment or workforce support.

This lack of recognition risks creating a fragmented approach to primary care, where pharmacists are expected to do more with fewer resources, undermining both their wellbeing and the sustainability of the service.

Pharmacists, who work alongside GPs to provide seamless patient care, are being overlooked, leading to uncertainty about their future roles.

It threatens the collaborative nature of integrated care, potentially disrupting the continuity of care essential for patients with complex or long-term conditions.

Pharmacists are already saving GP appointments and providing accessible care to millions of patients.

Policymakers must address the disparities in recognition and funding to ensure that all primary care professionals can work together effectively for the benefit of patients.

Neglecting their needs creates gaps that will ultimately affect patient outcomes.