Commenting on a report by Policy Exchange showing a fifth of England risks suffering a rural health penalty, Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association said:
"This report rightly highlights that rural communities are underserved by health services and many have to travel significant distances to access the support they need.
"Previous NPA research has revealed that rural communities have suffered disproportionate levels of pharmacy closures due to historic underfunding, leading to pharmacy deserts in some of the most isolated communities in the country.
"This has presented challenges for patients wanting to access medicines, advice or emergency contraception, particularly on a weekend, where pharmacies often provide a lifeline to patients and act as the only accessible health care provider in some areas.
"If the government want to move care into the community and expand the role of community pharmacy in the process, it must address these gaps in provision and provide long term investment in our community pharmacy network, bringing an end to pharmacy closures."
