26/27 UK Pharmacy Settlement - The Contractor Verdict

26/27 UK Pharmacy Settlement - The Contractor Verdict

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👥 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/kashif-kashif-37m-59042641/🔗 Links👉 Pharmacy Planet🌐 https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/🎧 Listen on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW👉 Boo Dhaliwal📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boo_pharmacyplanet/💼 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/boo-dhaliwal-85680b136🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boo_pharmacyplanetCommunity 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.#PharmacyContract2026 #CommunityPharmacy #UKPharmacy #PharmacyFunding #PharmacyFirst #IndependentPharmacy #CPCF #NHSPharmacy #PharmacyBusiness #ContractorsPerspective #MakePharmacyGreatAgain #PharmacyPlanetPodcast #HealthcarePolicy #PharmacyLeadership #PharmacyFuture #CommunityPharmacist #NHSFunding #PharmacyOwners #IndependentPrescribing #PrimaryCare

The Most Adventurous Pharmacist in the UK [ Boo X Jesi Moyano ]

In this episode of The Pharmacy Planet Podcast, Boo sits down with bilingual pharmacist, presenter, DJ, entrepreneur and motorsport personality Jesi Moyano to discuss what happens when you refuse to fit into a single career path.Jesi shares her journey from pharmacy student to locum pharmacist, while simultaneously building a career in motorsport presenting, CrossFit events, social media, and motorcycle touring. From presenting for Honda Racing in the British Superbike Championship to hosting major CrossFit competitions in front of tens of thousands of viewers, Jesi has carved out a career that combines healthcare, media, fitness and adventure.The conversation explores the challenges of balancing multiple identities, dealing with rejection, creating opportunities from scratch, and deciding whether traditional pharmacy alone can provide enough fulfilment for ambitious professionals.Boo and Jesi also discuss the reputation of pharmacy, the profession's future, work-life flexibility, entrepreneurship, networking, and whether pharmacists are doing enough to showcase the incredible opportunities available within the industry.💡 Whether you're a pharmacist, healthcare professional, student, entrepreneur, or someone considering a career change, this episode is packed with practical lessons on building a career that works on your own terms.🎧 What This Conversation Covers:• Jesi's unconventional route into pharmacy• Why she chose locum pharmacy for flexibility• Building a social media presence as a healthcare professional• Breaking into motorsport presenting and Honda Racing• Presenting CrossFit competitions and live events• Handling rejection and creating opportunities• Balancing pharmacy with an adrenaline-fuelled lifestyle• Hospital pharmacy vs community pharmacy• Whether pharmacists can have multiple careers• Entrepreneurship and motorcycle touring ventures• The importance of networking and personal branding• Pharmacy's reputation problem and attracting future talent• Making Pharmacy Great Again🔗 LINKS👉 Jesi Moyano📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jesimoyanoo/🌐 Linktree:https://linktr.ee/jesimoyano👉 Pharmacy Planet🌐 https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/🎧 Spotify Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW👉 Boo Dhaliwal📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/boo_pharmacyplanet/💼 LinkedIn:https://uk.linkedin.com/in/boo-dhaliwal-85680b136🎵 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@boo_pharmacyplanetJesi Moyano is a pharmacist, motorsport presenter, DJ, entrepreneur and content creator who has built a unique career across healthcare, racing, fitness and live events. Through her work in pharmacy, British Superbikes, CrossFit competitions and international presenting, Jesi demonstrates how healthcare professionals can build flexible careers that combine professional expertise with passion, creativity and personal growth.#PharmacyPlanetPodcast #JesiMoyano #PharmacyCareer #LocumPharmacist #Motorsport #HondaRacing #BritishSuperbikes #CrossFit #HealthcareCareers #WomenInMotorsport #PharmacyLife #PharmacyProfession #CareerDevelopment #Podcast #UKPharmacy #womeninstem

Eating Disorders, Diet Culture & Raising Healthy Kids | Dr Anna Colton | Ep 21 | Pharmacy Planet

In this important episode of The Lifestyle Prescription with Pharmacy Planet, host Rena Dipti Annobil sits down with Dr Anna Colton, Clinical Psychologist and Eating Disorder Specialist, to explore how our relationship with food, body image, and dieting shapes not only our own wellbeing — but the wellbeing of our children too.From eating disorders, diet culture, and body image pressures to GLP-1 weight loss jabs, social media influence, and food anxiety, this conversation tackles the growing challenges families face around food in modern life.Dr Anna shares both professional insight and personal experience, explaining how food is far more than fuel — it’s culture, joy, comfort, identity, and connection. Together, Rena and Dr Anna unpack how difficult relationships with food can be unintentionally passed down through generations, why restrictive dieting often backfires, and how parents can model healthier behaviours around eating without shame or fear.🎧 What This Episode Covers• Eating disorders and adolescent mental health• How parents influence children’s relationships with food• Food shame, guilt and emotional eating• Diet culture and intergenerational food messaging• Why BMI is flawed as a health measure• Puberty, body fat and teenage development• GLP-1 weight loss injections and social pressure• Social media, influencers and body image🔗 Guest Links👉 Dr Anna Colton – Clinical Psychologist & Eating Disorder Specialist🌐 www.dranna.co.uk📸 https://www.instagram.com/drannacolton/?hl=en-gb👉 Follow Rena Dipti Annobil📸 https://www.instagram.com/renadannobil/📸 https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofmummyimperfect/👉 Pharmacy Planet🌐 https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/📸 https://www.instagram.com/pharmacyplanetuk/🎧 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW#EatingDisorders #DietCulture #BodyImage#MentalHealth #Parenting #WomensHealth#IntuitiveEating #TeenMentalHealth #LifestylePrescription #PharmacyPlanet

The Future of Independent Pharmacy in the UK [ Boo X Baba Akomolafe ]

In this episode of The Pharmacy Planet Podcast, Boo sits down with pharmacy owner and entrepreneur Baba Akomolafe to explore the future of independent pharmacy in the UK — and why the sector must evolve, collaborate, and diversify to survive.From studying pharmacy at the University of Lagos to moving to the UK and eventually building Christchurch Pharmacy, Baba shares his journey through community pharmacy, business ownership, and leadership within the sector.The conversation dives deep into the challenges facing UK pharmacy today, including NHS funding pressures, operational sustainability, digital transformation, and why relying solely on dispensing is no longer enough.Baba also shares his vision for a more connected future for independent pharmacies — comparing the industry to platforms like Uber Eats and the World Wide Web — and explains why unity, digital infrastructure, and collective thinking could reshape the profession over the next decade.💡 Whether you're a pharmacy owner, pharmacist, healthcare entrepreneur, or simply interested in the future of healthcare services in the UK, this episode offers a bold and thought-provoking conversation about where community pharmacy goes next.🎧 What this conversation covers:• Baba Akomolafe’s journey from Nigeria to UK pharmacy ownership• The realities of community pharmacy in the UK• Why the NHS alone cannot sustain independent pharmacy• Diversifying beyond dispensing and NHS income• Private services, domiciliary care & new pharmacy models• The importance of digital transformation in pharmacy• Why independent pharmacies need to collaborate, not compete• The “single digital front door” vision for UK pharmacy• Aggregator platforms, Uber Eats comparisons & tech disruption• Leadership, branding & building a pharmacy identity• The future opportunities for independent contractors• Charity fundraising & giving back through healthcare🔗 LINKS👉 Baba Akomolafe💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baba-akomolafe/🌐 CPNBS: https://cpnbs.com👉 Pharmacy Planet🌐 https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/👉 Boo Dhaliwal📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boo_pharmacyplanet/💼 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/boo-dhaliwal-85680b136🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boo_pharmacyplanetIndependent pharmacy in the UK is at a crossroads.As NHS pressures continue to grow, pharmacies are being forced to rethink how they operate, deliver services, and remain financially sustainable. This conversation explores the opportunities available to pharmacy owners willing to adapt — from private clinical services and digital innovation to collaborative pharmacy networks and patient-centred care models.#PharmacyPlanetPodcast #IndependentPharmacy #UKPharmacy #CommunityPharmacy #DigitalHealth #PharmacyBusiness #HealthcareInnovation #PrivateServices #PharmacyLeadership #PharmacyFuture #HealthcarePodcast #PharmacyOwners #NHS #HealthTech #fyp #pharmacyplanet

Bowel Cancer Symptoms, Survival & Prevention | Dr Anisha Patel | Ep 20 | Pharmacy Planet

In this powerful episode of The Lifestyle Prescription with Pharmacy Planet, host Rena Dipti Annobil sits down with Dr Anisha Patel — GP, bowel cancer survivor, and advocate for awareness through Doctors Get Cancer Too — to share an honest and deeply important conversation about early-onset bowel cancer. Diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer at just 39, Dr Anisha opens up about the symptoms that were missed, the reality of being both a doctor and a patient, and the life-changing impact of a cancer diagnosis. Together, Rena and Dr Anisha explore why bowel cancer rates are rising in people under 50, the role of diet, fibre, and ultra-processed foods, and why understanding your body — including what’s “normal” for you — could be life-saving. This episode also sheds light on the emotional aftermath of cancer, including anxiety, PTSD, fear of recurrence, and the long-term side effects patients are often not warned about. From breaking the taboo around bowel health to empowering women with knowledge about cancer screening and symptoms, this conversation is essential viewing for anyone wanting to take control of their health. ⚠️ Please note: there are some minor audio issues in parts of this episode — thank you for bearing with us. • Dr Anisha Patel’s bowel cancer journey and diagnosis at 39 • Early symptoms of bowel cancer and why they’re often missed • Why bowel cancer is increasing in younger people • The impact of diet, fibre and ultra-processed foods • Being a doctor and navigating cancer as a patient • Mental health after cancer: anxiety, PTSD and fear of recurrence • Long-term side effects of treatment • Breaking the stigma around bowel health • The BOWEL acronym and key symptoms to look out for • Women’s health inequalities and under-researched conditions • Cancer screening in the UK: what you need to know • Lifestyle Prescription: why fibre matters more than you think 0:00 Introduction 0:17 Meet Dr Anisha Patel – GP & Cancer Survivor 2:10 Bowel Cancer Symptoms & Missed Signs 3:39 Stage 3 Rectal Cancer Diagnosis at 39 5:45 Risk Factors: Diet, Fibre & Lifestyle 6:24 Why Bowel Cancer Is Rising Under 50 7:33 Research: Bacteria & Ultra-Processed Foods 15:08 Being a Doctor and a Cancer Patient 17:28 Long-Term Side Effects of Treatment 18:44 Cancer & Mental Health 20:09 Fear of Recurrence 21:17 Life After Cancer: Diet & Self-Care 22:46 Dr Anisha’s Book 26:40 Know Your Normal: Bowel Health Awareness 27:24 The BOWEL Acronym Explained 28:44 Breaking the Taboo Around Bowel Health 34:05 Women’s Health Crisis 38:40 5 Gynaecological Cancers to Know 42:25 Cancer Screening in the UK 44:57 Bowel Cancer Screening Explained 46:06 Lifestyle Prescription: The Power of Fibre 👉 Dr Anisha Patel 🌐 https://dranisha.co.uk/ [https://dranisha.co.uk/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/doctorsgetcancertoo/ [https://www.instagram.com/doctorsgetcancertoo/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/renadannobil/ [https://www.instagram.com/renadannobil/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofmummyimperfect/ [https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodofmummyimperfect/] 🌐 https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/ [https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/pharmacyplanetuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/pharmacyplanetuk/] 🎧 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW [https://open.spotify.com/show/1xs0BApZk55bgrQz7PN7VW] #BowelCancer #CancerAwareness #WomensHealth #GutHealth #Fibre #EarlyDetection #LifestylePrescription #PharmacyPlanet #CancerSurvivor 🎧 What This Episode Covers⏱️ CHAPTERS🔗 Guest Links👉 Follow Rena Dipti Annobil👉 Pharmacy Planet🔖 Hashtags