The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is calling on its members to play their part in devising a new strategy for the medicines supply chain.
Surveys by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain have revealed snags in the supply chain leading to shortages of some medicines.
And the NPA, which represents community pharmacies, says its members can help to improve the supply chain's performance.
NPA chairman Ian Facer said: "Over the past few years we have witnessed major structural changes to the UK’s medicines supply chain.
"While the majority of NPA members oppose Direct to Pharmacy and limited distribution arrangements, the question must be asked: what is the best alternative? Is a return to the traditional pre-DTP structure realistic? Or is a complete re-shaping of the supply model needed?"
The Bank of England revealed in its quarterly bulletin that the economic crisis may have had a greater impact on the UK's ability to supply goods and services than previously thought, the Financial Times reported.
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