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Independent groups clash over unity at Pharmacy Show

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Independent groups clash over unity at Pharmacy Show

By Rob Darracott

A row between trade bodies erupted at the Pharmacy Show on Sunday as representatives from the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) traded accusations over the best way to influence government policy.

The argument, which had simmered for half an hour, exploded in a fiery exchange after a plea for unity from an audience member.

Ian Strachan (left), an IPA board member and former NPA chair, emphasised that fighting for members' interests should be paramount, even over unity.

Strachan highlighted his company's success, pointing to the delivery of 27,000 Covid vaccines and services to 20 Wegovy patients, while stressing that securing increased funding from the government requires a more sophisticated approach than simply demanding more money.

Strachan said the last six years had been a disaster for community pharmacy. He blamed an emphasis on politics over strategy and criticised any superficial focus on unity and collaboration.

“Independents, distance selling pharmacies (DSPs), corporates have different business models,” he said. “You have to fight for your members interests, that’s paramount over everything else, including unity.”

He argued that true unity emerges from strong leadership that resonates with members, and insisted the IPA embodies that approach.

“The core contract has to be right, and I don’t see us getting more money out of this Government unless we can put more sophisticated plans in place to influence, and that requires different skill sets and different structures,” Strachan said.

He criticised what he suggested were empty threats of collective action, arguing the differing business models of corporates, distance selling pharmacies and independents preclude true co-operation. He called for professionalism, genuine conviction and a focus on policy over politics.

In contrast, NPA chief executive Paul Rees stressed the importance of unity, highlighting the engagement of up to 6,000 pharmacies in two Days of Action.

He criticised the IPA for its isolationist stance, particularly their refusal to join in the handing over over a 350,000-signature petition into Downing Street and a failure to engage with the NPA leadership. 

As the session closed, Rees issued a public challenge, calling for a meeting to foster unity and collaboration.

“We have tried to meet with their (IPA’s) chief executive and we’ve been rebuffed. I would say, here on this stage, name a place, name a time, because we’d love to meet you. We think unity is key," he said. 

 

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