When it comes to expenditure on medications and community pharmacies, the UK is the "sick man of Europe," according to industry leaders. The government should "get round the table and start to deliver the funding necessary" to prevent pharmacies from closing and to enhance patient care, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). Compared to countries like Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Latvia, Romania, and Bulgaria, the UK has fewer pharmacies per 100,000 people, according to an NPA analysis of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data.

It said the average UK pharmacy also serves more customers – about 5,700 – than those in France (3,238) and Ireland (2,500).

The analysis found the UK also spends less on medicines per head of population than Ireland, Australia, Japan, the US, Spain, Germany and Italy.

Germany spends double what the UK does, according to the NPA.

NPA chairman Nick Kaye said: “These shocking new figures show that the UK is the ‘sick man of Europe’ when it comes to spending on vital medicines and community pharmacies.

“It is damning that UK pharmacies serve more patients than comparative countries whilst also receiving ever reducing levels of funding.”

The analysis comes after members of the NPA voted in favour of collective action in a row over funding.

The trade association said this could mean fewer pharmacies will be open in evenings or at weekends, with some potentially withdrawing from locally commissioned services such as emergency contraception, addiction support and stop smoking services.

Mr Kaye added: “As our ballot result showed, many pharmacy owners feel pushed to breaking point thanks to the impact of 40% cuts to their funding and increases in their workload.

“Community pharmacies have the potential to deliver so much more for patients, including a wider range of clinical services that will help to keep pressure off other parts of our health system.

“However, this cannot happen with funding at its current levels and pharmacies shutting at record rates.

“The Government must get round the table and start to deliver the funding necessary so we can stop the closures and deliver the best possible care for patients.”

The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.