The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is the representative and professional body for community pharmacists. Our mission is to promote the professional and economic interests of our members. Members of the IPU are committed to delivering a quality, accessible, personal and professional service that puts the patient first and has as its primary goal the optimisation of the health and well-being of society.
Pharmacists Concerned about Future Business Prospects
Friday, 10 May 2013 09:57
- Falling sales and rising costs contribute to gloomy forecast on business prospects.
- Majority believe that the business environment is deteriorating.
- Threat of cuts to pharmacy incomes a major concern.
The Quarter 1 2013 Pharmacy Business Trends Survey, issued by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), confirms that pharmacists are extremely concerned about future business prospects, with a significant number believing that the business environment is getting worse. Footfall and sales continue to fall, with increases in business costs – mainly local charges, energy costs and rents – being reported. Not surprisingly, the threat of further cuts to pharmacy income from Government payment schemes and the introduction of reference pricing remain the biggest immediate concerns.
