A leading pharmacy chain on the high street has stepped in to rescue 60 branches of a competitor company facing financial difficulties. Allied Pharmacies has assumed control of 60 Jhoots Pharmacies outlets, the majority of which are currently closed. However, Allied has assured the public of its commitment to restoring essential pharmacy services at these locations.
Following this acquisition, Allied will expand its presence to approximately 210 branches throughout England and Wales. This information was reported by C+D, a pharmacy industry source.
In a statement, Allied emphasized the crucial role that community pharmacies play in promoting public health and well-being. The company acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closures, especially for vulnerable individuals reliant on local access to essential healthcare services. Their immediate focus is on resuming pharmaceutical services at the affected sites promptly.
Recent discussions in Parliament revealed concerns about Jhoots Pharmacies shuttering some of its locations, potentially leaving communities without vital health services. Reports indicated staff experiencing financial challenges due to payment delays.
The ownership of these pharmacies is divided between brothers Manjit and Sarbjit Jhooty. Manjit Jhooty has ownership of over 20 Jhoots branches through his companies, Pasab and Jhoots Healthcare, denying any operational issues. Sarbjit Jhooty reportedly owns the remaining 129 branches.
While Manjit Jhooty affirmed the solvency and functionality of the pharmacies under his management, Sarbjit Jhooty acknowledged workforce and recruitment hurdles, assuring that actions are being taken to address these issues. The Mirror has reached out to Jhoots for additional comments.
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