Lloyds Pharmacy getting a bit Extra Extra Extra!!!!

CCardiff

As I went into my local Lloyds Pharmacy to collect my prescription medication I was told that my medication now costs 5x as much for Lloyds to order in. Not understanding why, I asked the assistant manager to explain the sudden increase in cost. He told me that they have been instructed by Lloyds Pharmacy head office that they are not allowed to order medication directly from the supplier anymore but instead have to go through a "middle man" called AAH (I will come back to this very soon). He explained that AAH will find the best price available for the medication. Great i thought, that will save the N.H.S money and also local Doctors who only have a limited budget when it comes to prescriptions, a win win for everyone involved. He also told me that in the case of my medication the "middle man" (AAH) actually ordered the same medication from the same supplier but it's costing 5x more. I came home and did a little investigating as to why it would cost 5x more for my prescription medication when it comes from the same supplier. Surely the "middle man" (AAH) can't be charging that much for their services. I discovered that AAH plc (as mentioned above) are the UK’s leading pharmaceutical wholesaler who were purchased by Celesio AG in 1995 who went on to acquire Lloyds Chemists PLC in 1997. I myself am from Wales and am lucky enough to enjoy free prescriptions thanks to the Welsh Assembly since April 1st 2007. But considering such practices are occurring there is a real possibility that this privilege may be withdrawn. The people who will really suffer are those who really need the medication, especially those with long term health issues. I for one will no longer be taking my prescriptions to Lloyds Pharmacy.

pamsdish

Another reason to use your local independent pharmacist, he knows you,knows your conditions and it`s cheaper !!!

COOLTRIKERCHICK

I am a firm beliver in supporting local indendant businesses where possible.

The main thing is, alot of the money spent at local independants will stay local, (not some offshore bank account..) which should in theory keep the local area alive and healthy..