The Scottish Government’s announcement that £20 million will be invested into local pharmacies has been undermined by warnings the healthcare facilities could still be at risk of closing down.

Humza Yousaf confirmed the cash injection to “ease pressures” on community pharmacies. Bosses say the funds are somewhat welcomed but fall short as the increase in the cost of common medicines was greater.

Critics, including Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS), say the fund must increase with Conservative Dr Sandesh Gulhane telling the SNP leader: “It does not go anywhere near far enough.”

CPS said that some of its members were resorting to borrowing money “to keep their doors open” and after its “own investigations” indicate that the sum is “not sufficient”.

“We have had reports that costs have increased by over three times this amount,” it added, saying that £20 million “represents only 1.74 per cent of the annual medicine spend for Scotland. CPS called for negotiations on the new financial settlement to continue.

It added that maintaining current service levels and access to healthcare requires “a much-improved offer” from Holyrood.

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