AN Essex MP has called for the Government to "act now" to support pharmacists.

The Witham MP made these comments after a visit to Tollesbury Pharmacy, where she met with representatives from Community Pharmacy England (CPE) and local pharmacists.

During the visit, Dame Priti met with pharmacy owner Dimple Bhatia, along with Janet Morrison and Karen Samuel-Smith from CPE.

She discussed ongoing issues with NHS England's prescription tariffs and the need for full reimbursement for local independent pharmacists.

Dame Priti said: "I am grateful to Mr Dimple Bhatia for hosting us all today at Tollesbury Pharmacy.

"Mr Bhatia and I have frequently discussed many of these important issues, so I am delighted that Community Pharmacy England visited Tollesbury Pharmacy with me to hear first-hand the issues that independent pharmacies are facing.

"This Government needs to act now and listen to and support our excellent pharmacists.

"Pharmacies cannot subsidise the NHS medicines bill and while the concessions system is designed to help prevent this, the system is no longer coping with the current price volatility in the market."

Currently, pharmacists are not fully reimbursed and are left to subsidise NHS prescriptions, resulting in financial shortfalls.

Dame Priti also raised the under-utilisation of the Pharmacy First scheme, which was launched by the last Government.

With more than 95 per cent of pharmacies signed up to the scheme, it aims to provide medical advice for minor illnesses, easing pressure on GPs and local hospitals.

However, it is not being used to its full potential as GPs are not referring patients to the scheme.