Swedish Pharmacies Facing Closure Due to Inflation and Weak Krona
The recent wave of inflation, increased costs, and a weak krona is taking a heavy toll on Swedish pharmacies, according to a report by DN. Approximately 850,000 Swedes may be affected if the 161 pharmacies with poor profitability or running at a loss are forced to shut down. The Dental Care and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) estimates that these closures could have a significant impact on access to essential healthcare services.
In response to these challenges, TLV has proposed an increase in the pharmacies’ trading margin by 658 million from March 1. This proposal is now open for consultation.
Minister of Healthcare, Acko Ankarberg Johansson (KD), has emphasized the importance of maintaining access to pharmacies for the sake of equality in healthcare. She has highlighted the need for options such as physical pharmacies, e-commerce, and pharmacy representatives to ensure patient choice.
The government has also introduced sparsely populated areas grants to support approximately 40 pharmacies in rural areas. However, concerns remain about the geographical distribution and density of pharmacies.
The deregulation of the pharmacy aimed to increase accessibility, but geographical disparities in the distribution of pharmacies have raised questions about the need for a target pharmacy density. Minister Johansson has stated that the market rules, which allows companies to establish themselves across Sweden.
The closures of pharmacies, particularly in rural areas, have sparked concerns about the impact on primary care and elderly care services. The recent closure of a health center and pharmacy in the village of Ljusne has drawn attention to the interconnectedness of healthcare services, with the Kastanjen nursing home now facing potential closure.
Anders Ramstrand, chairman of Söderhamn’s welfare board, has defended the decision to restructure elderly care places but has faced criticism from both PRO and Söderhamn municipality.
Members of parliament, including Linnéa Wickman (S), have also voiced concerns about the impact of market-driven healthcare policies on community needs. Wickman has called for a reevaluation of the prioritization of profitability over community services, emphasizing the need for society to regain control over essential healthcare services.