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Community pharmacies still experiencing shortages, NCPA finds 

Community pharmacies still experiencing shortages, NCPA finds 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Many independent community pharmacies are experiencing ongoing drug and labor shortages, according to a new survey released by the National Community Pharmacists Association. “These ongoing pressures with the supply chain, PBMs and our economy continue to make it a challenging time for the very pharmacies who, for so many patients, are the most accessible health care option,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey. “Policymakers must not only keep this in mind but also work to advance pharmacy payment reforms that will better support pharmacy teams and the patients they serve.” Ninety-three percent of independent community pharmacy owners/managers responding to the survey say they are dealing with a shortage in children’s pain and fever relief medicine; 85% report a shortage of diabetes medicine; and 80% report a shortage of amoxicillin. Additionally, 97% say they are experiencing a shortage of Adderall. When it comes to labor issues, the survey finds that pharmacy technicians continue to be in highest demand (80%), followed by clerks/front end staff (43%), pharmacists (19%) and delivery drivers (17%). Sixty-seven percent, overall, report having a difficult time filling open staff positions, a slight decrease from previous surveys.  

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