Concerns have emerged regarding financial management and service reliability among Jhoots Pharmacies, which operates around 150 branches in the UK, primarily managed by Sarbjit Jhooty. Member of Parliament Sadik Al Hassan highlighted that locum pharmacists are owed a total of £670,000 in unpaid fees, as reported by the Pharmacists Defence Association. Locum pharmacists typically provide short-term cover and operate on a freelance basis.
Al Hassan described the circumstances as troubling, noting frequent closures and low stock levels at Jhoots locations, which have impacted patients’ ability to access necessary prescriptions. In response, Sarbjit Jhooty stated he is taking steps to resolve the issues, while NHS representatives have indicated they are also working to address the situation.
One former Jhoots employee reported being owed thousands of pounds and described difficulties encountered during this period, including interactions with frustrated customers due to medication shortages. Another MP, Heidi Alexander, has initiated a petition addressing repeated closures of their pharmacies in Wiltshire, stating that the situation poses safety risks for the public.
With 153 pharmacies registered under the Jhoots name, it is noted that they operate independently, each with its management structure. Manjit Jhooty, who oversees more than 20 Jhoots branches, emphasized that his locations are operational and continue to serve their communities. However, Sarbjit acknowledged ongoing workforce and recruitment challenges affecting his pharmacies.
As the situation develops, Al Hassan plans to meet with Jhoots management and has urged NHS officials to reassess Jhoots’ contract status, particularly concerning compliance issues. NHS England has directed concerns to local Integrated Care Boards, which reiterated their commitment to ensuring that residents have access to pharmacy services and can take action against non-compliant pharmacies if necessary.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly73n2drg4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss