Financial Mismanagement Exposes Jhoots Pharmacy Chain to Shutdown Threat

"Shocking" Jhoots Pharmacy Chain Faces Calls for Shutdown Amid Financial Mismanagement Allegations A leading pharmacy chain in the UK is facing mounting pressure to shut down after allegations of financial mismanagement surfaced, leaving locum pharmacists owed £670,000 in unpaid fees. The crisis has sparked concerns about patient care and the future of community pharmacies. According to MP Sadik Al Hassan, who first raised the issue in Parliament, "the situation is shocking, with patients left struggling to get prescriptions as Jhoots branches are regularly and unexpectedly closed, or open with low stock." Al Hassan's comments were echoed by the Pharmacists Defence Association (PDA), which represents locum pharmacists. The PDA stated that the £670,000 in outstanding fees was a "conservative estimate" of what its members had told them was owed from Jhoots branches across the UK. Sarbjit Jhooty, who runs 129 of the approximately 150 Jhoots pharmacies in the UK, acknowledged the issue and promised to return things to normal "as swiftly as possible." However, his statement did little to alleviate concerns about the chain's financial management. NHS representatives said they were working to resolve issues with Jhoots, but declined to comment further. The controversy surrounding Jhoots highlights the complexities of the pharmacy sector, which relies heavily on locum staff to provide short-term cover. Unlike permanent employees, locum pharmacists operate in a freelance capacity and are often left vulnerable to financial exploitation by employers. The PDA has long campaigned for better protection for locum pharmacists and improved working conditions. The situation raises questions about the accountability of large pharmacy chains like Jhoots, which have expanded rapidly across the UK in recent years. Critics argue that such chains prioritize profit over patient care, leading to a decline in community pharmacy services. Al Hassan's call for Jhoots to be shut down is seen as a last resort by some, but others believe it may be necessary to protect patients and prevent further financial mismanagement. The latest developments come as the NHS continues to grapple with funding pressures and staffing shortages. The crisis has sparked renewed debate about the future of community pharmacies and the need for greater regulation in the sector. Background: Jhoots Pharmacy is one of the largest pharmacy chains in the UK, operating over 150 branches across the country. The chain has expanded rapidly in recent years, with many locations run by Sarbjit Jhooty. However, allegations of financial mismanagement have been mounting for some time, with locum pharmacists complaining about unpaid fees and poor working conditions. Additional Perspectives: The PDA has long campaigned for better protection for locum pharmacists and improved working conditions. The union argues that the current system leaves locum staff vulnerable to exploitation by employers. "We need greater regulation in the sector to prevent situations like this from happening again," said a spokesperson for the PDA. Current Status: The situation remains fluid, with NHS representatives continuing to work with Jhoots to resolve issues. However, the crisis has sparked renewed calls for greater accountability and regulation in the pharmacy sector. The future of community pharmacies hangs in the balance as patients and pharmacists alike demand better care and working conditions. In conclusion, the "shocking" allegations against Jhoots Pharmacy chain have exposed deep-seated problems in the UK's community pharmacy sector. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: change is needed to protect patients and prevent further financial mismanagement. *Reporting by Bbc.*