NCPA's New Consortium Exemplifies Preparedness in Community Pharmacy

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) recently announced the formation of the Independent Community Pharmacy Consortium for Government Engagement. Designed to create a framework for pharmacies, organizations, and other entities within the pharmaceutical supply chain, NCPA is spearheading this consortium with hopes of alleviating future public health crises.

“Well, we're not trying to replace anything that exists and that functions well today,” said Kurt Proctor, PhD, RPh. “[The consortium] is more to be there and to be ready when something happens and somebody needs to engage independents broadly. Again, we’re the easy button for them to do that.”

To discuss this independent pharmacy “easy button,” Proctor joined Drug Topics on the most recent episode of Over the Counter. As President of the NCPA Innovation Center, he’s played a leading role in getting the consortium off the ground. From the COVID-19 pandemic’s direction on future public health issues to the constant readiness exhibited by independents across the country, Proctor explained exactly why he believes this is a win for patients and pharmacies in the US.

Stay tuned for weekly podcast episodes on Over the Counter every Thursday afternoon. Check out our previous episode with Sarah Gray, PharmD, GAICD, also known as “The Nutrition Pharmacist.” She discussed new-year diets and the unique combination of pharmacy and nutrition.

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