Sparsely populated pharmacies are at a loss, are forced to close and still get no contribution. While some pharmacies receive half a million, others receive only SEK 3,400. Now the authority recognizes that the rules need to be reviewed.
Despite writing about closed pharmacies in sparsely populated areas, the millions roll in for those who qualify. Now it turns out that some counties get more than others – and here the pharmacy network is growing fastest.
This year, the Dental Care and Medicines Benefit Agency will distribute just over SEK 15 million in sparsely populated contributions to 51 pharmacies in twelve counties in Sweden. This is a certain decrease with the previous year’s dividend to 55 pharmacies, reports the pharmaceutical world.
But behind the figures is hiding a clear trend: fewer and fewer pharmacies qualify to get the support. Last year, 55 pharmacies got to take part in the grant – this year there are four fewer.
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Pharmacies are rejected
Due to too high sales of prescription drugs last year, pharmacies in Övertorneå, Krokom and Råneå have been rejected. Another two pharmacies have gotten rid of the grant as a result of its limited opening hours, illustrate The Dental Care and Medicines Benefit Agency.
Gunilla RönnholmHead of Unit at the Dental Care and Medicines Benefit Agency, illustrates that the staffing problem and the requirement for presently competent pharmacy means that pharmacies need to deviate from their opening hours and keep closed during certain periods.
Unfortunately, the economy looks dark for many sparsely populated pharmacies. In recent years, the results have deteriorated, but since 2024 the case seems to have been slowed down. The situation has stabilized, but remains at a low level. Of the 39 pharmacies that applied for grants in both 2023 and 2024, 33 improved their results. Despite this, the total result still shows minus, which means that the majority is still loss. The average of the grant is just under SEK 290,000 per pharmacy, informs the Dental Care and Medicines Benefit Agency.
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Most money to Västerbotten – here it grows
Most millions of raining over Västerbotten, where 12 pharmacies together receive SEK 3.4 million. In second place comes Västernorrland, where 8 pharmacies can share just over 2.8 million.
At the same time, a county stands out even more: Jämtland County, where the pharmacy in Liden receives SEK 583,000, which is the most in the country, reports The drug world.
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Some pharmacies receive only SEK 3,400
The one who gets the least is the pharmacy in Bergsjö, which only receives SEK 3,400. The reason for this neat figure is when the pharmacy only receives a grant for one month because the nearest pharmacy, which is also covered by sparsely populated support, was closed for a certain period, which affects the grant assessment, announces the Dental and Medicines Benefit Agency.
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Need to review the design of the grant
The Dental Care and Medicines Benefit Agency now allows the need to review both how the sparsely populated contribution is designed, how it is calculated and what turnover requirements should apply. The bigger question of the target of the pharmacy market and access to pharmacies was included in a report that the authority released in January 2025, states the Dental and Medicines Benefit Agency.
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Criteria for receiving the grant:
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