Boots has objected to the proposal of an independent pharmacy opening in a town centre that is in “desperate need” of another chemist.

Pharmacist Chaudhry Abbas is looking to open a new pharmacy, which would be the second in Wallingford town centre, following the closure of Lloyds pharmacy on Market Place.

The pharmacist argues it is “clear” that the closure of the Lloyds pharmacy has placed “intense pressure” on the only alternative pharmacy in the town.

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Mr Abbas said: “After Lloyds pharmacy closed down all patients were reluctantly transferred to the only remaining pharmacy in town, Boots.

“Consequently, Boots is overwhelmed with the demand of the local residents resulting in unacceptable waiting time for prescriptions and medicine.”

Oxford Mail: Chaudhry Abbas i

However, Boots has raised objections with NHS England during the pharmacy application process.

Mr Abbas, who said that the new pharmacy would be within 200 meters radius of the Boots store, believes the objection comes as the pharmaceutical giant wants to “maintain the monopoly” in the town. 

A spokesperson from Boots said: “As with all new pharmacy contract applications, NHS England invites the view of other local providers as part of the consultation process.

“We believe that our store in Market Place serves the community well and we are confident that we can continue to meet local demand for pharmacy provision, delivering services and prescriptions to our patients.”

In a letter obtained by the Oxford Mail, a Boots spokesperson added the closure of a pharmacy within an area “does not automatically create a gap”.

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They added: “We are unaware of any patients submitting a complaint since the closure of the Lloyds or any other pharmacies in this locality to NHS England with regards to accessibility or any concerns regarding services or opening hours.

“We therefore respectfully urge the integrated care board to refuse this application.”

Mr Abbas has appealed for locals to share their experiences and has created a petition for residents to express their views on the potential of a second pharmacy opening in the town.

In a letter shared with the Oxford Mail, Wallingford town councillor Katharine Keats-Rohan has backed the calls for a second pharmacy in the town.

She wrote: “The inability to access adequate pharmacy services is already causing a great deal of anguish and upset in the town.

“And with the population expected to grow with several new significant housing developments being built, the currently inadequate service will be further stretched and the situation will deteriorate further.

“Wallingford has an elderly population which is greater than the national average and naturally this cohort of residents often suffer from long-term and chronic conditions.

“Some of these residents would benefit from weekly pill organiser trays due to memory or dexterity issues but Boots currently does not provide this service and patients continue to suffer as there is no alternative choice.”

To view the petition set up by Mr Abbas, visit here.