Pharmacy has gained political support but failed to convert it into progress, Numark managing director John D'Arcy has said.
 
The sector needed to "take responsibility" for making things happen "on mass and also individually", he told the independent support group's conference in Buenos Aires last week (March 10).
 
"For years, we have talked about pharmacy moving to a different role and we have made a lot of progress politically," Mr D'Arcy told delegates.
 
"Where we have failed is translating that political support into progress on the ground."
 
Pharmacy was too reactive, he added, and needed to be more proactive to make the most of opportunities within the NHS despite the "hostile" business environment.
 
Examples of this "hostile environment" included reduced wholesaler models, national contract negotiations and dispensing at a loss, Mr D'Arcy said.
 
He added: "Within a bankrupt NHS, there's got to be an opportunity for pharmacy... but we have got to make that happen."

How could the sector use support from politicians to progress its role?

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