SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has urged the Department of Health to step in and save community pharmacies by providing an emergency fund to avoid the withholding of medicines by wholesalers.
He said that many of the community pharmacies are struggling to pay their bills.
The Foyle MLA explained: “The Department of Health have been aware of this deteriorating situation for some time and have failed to adequately address the situation.
“Funds must be made available to ensure the wholesale of vital medicines in our communities continue.
“Local pharmacies are the backbone of many communities.
“Without their services, the health of many people would be at serious risk,” added Mr Durkan.
