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<p>It is the statutory duty of every local authority in England to undertake pharmaceutical
needs assessments for their areas including those that are rural in nature, every
three years, to ensure provision continues to meet their population’s needs. Integrated
care boards have regard to those assessments when commissioning services and where
a pharmacy closure impacts on the access to services, a new contractor can apply to
open a pharmacy in the area.</p><p>Patients who struggle to access pharmacy premises
can access pharmacy services remotely through any of the over 400 online pharmacies
that are contractually required to deliver medicines free of charge. Alternatively,
in some rural areas, doctors are permitted to dispense medication to patients.</p><p>The
Pharmacy Access scheme provides additional funding to pharmacies in the areas where
there are fewer pharmacies.</p>
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