"Pharmageddon": The Importance of Supporting Local Independent Pharmacies
- Mike Mobley, PharmD
- Nov 2, 2023
- 3 min read
"Pharmageddon: The Importance of Supporting Local Independent Pharmacies in the Face of CEO Decisions"
Introduction
Recent events, known as "Pharmageddon," have placed the working conditions of pharmacy staff under the spotlight as thousands of workers from major retail chains, including CVS and Walgreens, walked out to protest. These events are not isolated but underscore a growing issue within the healthcare industry. Amidst this, corporate decisions by CEOs of major chains are based on maximizing corporate profits over public good, emphasizing the importance of supporting local independent pharmacies. At VitaScripts, we wholeheartedly endorse the vital role of pharmacists in healthcare and emphasize the urgency of maintaining their well-being in the face of corporate decisions that impact their working conditions.
As a pharmacist since 2009, I've served on the frontlines in hospitals and braved the challenges "behind enemy lines" at big box pharmacies so I have experience on the current situation. Please comment your thoughts on this situation and the state of pharmacy.
A Plea for Change
The pharmacy walkouts were not an outcry for larger paychecks but a call for improved working conditions. Pharmacy workers are looking for respite from the crushing demands of heavy workloads and policies that force them to rush through their tasks. These protests underscore the importance of putting patient safety and quality care above corporate profits. While the movement doesn't revolve around salary size, it underscores the reluctance of corporate pharmacies to increase staffing, all the while compensating their CEOs significantly, with Walgreens' CEO receiving 25 million in 2021 and CVS's CEO earning 20.4 million in the same year.
The Burden of the Workload
Imagine a typical day in a pharmacy, where 450 prescriptions need to be filled, and nearly half of them require meticulous counting, pill by pill along with endless phone calls from patients and doctors. On top of this, pharmacists must administer an average of 45 vaccinations in a single shift. The demands placed on these healthcare professionals are overwhelming and increase the risk of harmful errors, which can jeopardize patient well-being.
Patient Safety Concerns
Alarmingly, nearly three-quarters of pharmacists in the United States are concerned about not having enough time to safely perform their duties. This shortage of time can lead to errors, including mixing up prescriptions, with potentially severe consequences for patient health.
Local pharmacies like VitaScripts Pharmacy place your health and safety at the forefront. We're committed to prioritizing patients, and we offer a personalized and compassionate experience that goes beyond mere profit. Join us in supporting local pharmacies that truly care about your well-being. 🏥💖 #PatientsFirst #LocalPharmacies
The Pandemic's Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated an existing shortage of healthcare workers across the nation. Suddenly, these healthcare professionals were tasked with administering vaccines to the entire population, stretching their resources even thinner jeopardizing patient outcomes.
The CEO's Role
It's worth noting that the decisions made by corporate leadership, including the CEOs of major chains like Walgreens and CVS, play a significant role in the poor working conditions and staffing policies of these pharmacies. These retail giants have been cutting hours and closing stores to maintain profitability, sometimes at the expense of the well-being of their pharmacy staff. These decisions are a driving force behind the "Pharmageddon" movement.
The Need to Support Local Independent Pharmacies
Amidst this backdrop, local independent pharmacies stand as beacons of patient-focused care. These community-oriented establishments prioritize personalized service, relationship building, and individualized care, all free from corporate mandates that prioritize profit over people.
Supporting local pharmacies like VitaScripts not only benefits your community but also your wallet. Many independents, including VitaScripts Pharmacy, offer competitive pricing on generics, often surpassing even "GoodRX" rates. Prioritize local and experience the financial savings for yourself. 💰💊 #SupportLocalPharmacy
The Takeaway
As we navigate the pharmacy walkouts and the struggles faced by pharmacy workers, it's essential to emphasize the role of local independent pharmacies in protecting the profession as a whole. Together, we can create an environment where pharmacists and technicians can practice their profession with dedication and care, free from the constraints imposed by corporate decisions that prioritize profit over the well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals.
Your input matters! 💬💡 As we delve into the evolving landscape of pharmacy and the challenges faced, we're eager to hear your thoughts.
What are your opinions on the current state of pharmacy, and where do you see it heading in the future?
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