Labour Southend councillors are urging people to speak out against a shake-up in community pharmacies.
The overhaul could lead to the closure of thousands of community chemists shops, and the loss of facilities to least able members of society, it is feared.
The Government plans to deregulate pharmacies before the summer recess, and will probably publish a progress report at the end of June.
Labour spokesman Reg Copley said: "The recommendations from the Office of Fair Trading have potentially far reaching implications - not just for pharmacists, but for doctors who dispense, the National Health Service in general, and most importantly for patients.
"So now, before it is too late, it is vital the Government has the views of everyone concerned."
Mr Copley said the Government was not bound to accept the OFT's recommendations and would consider the implications and respond.
Published Tuesday, June 17, 2003
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