The latest National Pharmacy Association (NPA) survey has revealed that more than 80 percent of the public are likely to use pharmacies instead of GPs for health advice and treatment. More than half also said they would be willing to pay for pharmacy services. This finding should be a wake-up call to policymakers and a call to action for the profession itself. Public confidence in pharmacy has never been higher, and the opportunity for growth has never been greater.
Across Northern Ireland, community pharmacies are already delivering beyond expectation. Local initiatives have shown how accessible, patient-centred pharmacy care can ease pressure on GPs and hospitals. The success of commissioned services demonstrates what can be achieved when pharmacists are empowered to act. Now, the challenge is to expand this model through innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Private pharmacy services are becoming an increasingly important part of this evolution. From prescribing for minor conditions to travel vaccinations, weight management, and wellbeing support, private services not only meet patient demand but also help sustain businesses facing financial pressure. These services provide both a lifeline for patients seeking timely care and a revenue stream that strengthens community pharmacy resilience.
To realise this potential, three priorities must be addressed.
First, investment and digital integration are essential. Pharmacies need access to clinical records and clear referral pathways to support safe, efficient care.
Second, training and professional development must continue to evolve, ensuring the workforce is confident to deliver advanced and private clinical services.
Third, policy and funding reform must recognise that public and private pharmacy services complement each other, together forming a resilient, hybrid model of accessible primary care.
The NPA’s findings confirm that the public already see pharmacy as their first choice for healthcare advice and treatment. What remains is for government, commissioners, and the profession to match that confidence with the structures, support, and vision that enable pharmacies across Northern Ireland to flourish as both trusted healthcare providers and sustainable businesses.