‘Pharmageddon’ could close pharmacies as protest spreads
The term ‘Pharmageddon’ has been coined to refer to the worrying trend of pharmacies closing down due to closure of rural hospitals, a decrease in reimbursements from insurance companies, and drastic changes in the regulatory environment. This phenomenon is causing a mounting concern amongst communities across the country as pharmacies close due to economic pressures, leaving many without access to critical medicine and other medical care. In response to the closures, pharmacy owners and their supporters are organizing protests and demonstrations in an effort to draw attention to the crisis and push for change. The decline in reimbursement rates has forced pharmacy owners to make difficult decisions about their businesses, including cutting back on personnel and services, or even closing their doors for good. With no resolution in sight, protests and demonstrations are likely to continue and could even spread.