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In this special episode of The Pharmacy Planet Podcast, Boo Dhaliwal is joined by experienced pharmacy contractors Sharn Dev, Suraj Varia, and Kashif Ismail to discuss the newly announced Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) settlement for 2026.

Representing independent pharmacies across Surrey, London, and Hertfordshire, the panel shares a candid, frontline perspective on what the latest funding settlement means for contractors, pharmacy teams, and the future of community pharmacy.

With the government announcing a funding package that includes a 10.3% uplift, a £200 million increase in medicines margin, and significant changes to pharmacy funding, the sector has been left asking one question:

Is this enough to secure the future of community pharmacy?

The discussion explores everything from medicines margin, drug shortages, and dispensing at a loss, to independent prescribing, Pharmacy First, and whether pharmacies can finally move from survival mode to sustainable growth.

???? Whether you're a pharmacy owner, superintendent pharmacist, healthcare leader, or interested in the future of NHS pharmacy services, this episode offers an honest contractor-led assessment of the Pharmacy Contract 2026 settlement.

???? What This Conversation Covers

• First reactions to the Pharmacy Contract 2026 settlement
• Is a 10.3% funding uplift actually enough?
• The reality behind the £200 million medicines margin increase
• Drug shortages, generic pricing, and dispensing at a loss
• Why contractors remain frustrated by clawbacks and margin transparency
• The financial impact of high-cost medicines such as Mounjaro
• Can pharmacies realistically invest using the new funding?
• Is the Single Activity Fee increase meaningful?
• Alternative funding models for community pharmacy
• The future of clinical services and independent prescribing
• Business rates, rents, staffing pressures and operational costs
• Whether contractors would accept or reject the settlement
• What needs to happen next to make pharmacy sustainable

⏱️ CHAPTERS

0:24 Introduction: Contractor Verdict on the New Pharmacy Contract
1:46 10.3% Funding Uplift: First Reactions from Pharmacy Contractors
3:58 £200 Million Drugs Margin: Is the Money Real?
8:50 Drug Shortages, Procurement Failures & Pharmacy Closures
9:18 Drug Pricing Transparency & Dispensing at a Loss
9:45 Generic Drug Pricing Crisis: How Cheap Is Too Cheap?
26:14 6p Single Activity Fee Increase: Will It Cover Rising Costs?
32:36 Independent Prescribing in Community Pharmacy: £17 Consultation Fee Debate
35:04 Should CPE Have Accepted the Contract? Contractors Decide
42:15 How to Fix Pharmacy Funding: Per Capita Model & Reform Ideas
54:31 Quick Fire Round & Make Pharmacy Great Again

???? Guests

???? Sharn Dev
???? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharn-dev-883415193/

???? Suraj Varia
???? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suraj-varia-b9635428/

???? Kashif Ismail
???? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ka....shif-kashif-37m-5904

???? Links

???? Pharmacy Planet
???? https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/

???? Listen on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/....1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7

???? Boo Dhaliwal
???? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boo_pharmacyplanet/

???? LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/boo-dhaliwal-85680b136

???? TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boo_pharmacyplanet

Community pharmacy remains one of the most accessible parts of the NHS, but increasing operational costs, workforce pressures, medicine shortages, and funding concerns continue to challenge contractors across the UK.

This discussion brings together frontline pharmacy owners to provide an honest assessment of the Pharmacy Contract 2026 settlement and what it could mean for the future of independent pharmacy, NHS services, Pharmacy First, independent prescribing, and patient care.

If you work in community pharmacy, pharmacy ownership, NHS contracting, healthcare leadership, or pharmacy business, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most important funding settlements the profession has seen in recent years.
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