Chemists want extra cash to help ease pressure on the crisis-hit NHS as pharmacies are on course to prevent 15,000 heart attacks and strokes.
An estimated one in four UK adults has high blood pressure, with almost six million undiagnosed.
Since October 2021, community pharmacies in England have been commissioned to screen for high blood pressure – a key risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
Nearly 600,000 checks were carried out in the first year - identifying more than 25,000 people with high blood pressure.
Some 44% of examinations were in the 30% most deprived communities.
The Company Chemists’ Association estimates the checks have prevented at least 600 heart attacks and strokes.
Analysts calculate that by 2026, 15 million screenings will have taken place - preventing up to 15,000 heart attacks and strokes.
The CCA believes “there is an opportunity to use the expertise of community pharmacy” to “provide the care” recently-identified sufferers require.
It said: “Currently, newly-diagnosed patients need to attend overwhelmed GP surgeries for treatment.
“We call on the Government to take up our offer and commission pharmacies as the first port of call for cardiovascular care.”
Chief executive Malcolm Harrison said: “The sector can, and should, play a huge role in the nation’s fight against cardiovascular disease.
“Whilst the funding model for community pharmacy is broken, it is not beyond repair.
“Investing in community pharmacy to become the first point of contact for cardiovascular disease is a sure-fire way of freeing up GP capacity, reversing health inequalities and ultimately saving lives.”
He claimed that “pharmacies are underfunded by more than £67,000 every year”, adding: “It’s now time that the Government and NHS invest in the tremendous potential of community pharmacy.”
John Maingay, of the British Heart Foundation, said: “By delivering blood pressure checks to more people more easily, high street pharmacies are helping to save lives every day.
“Local pharmacies are well placed to detect high blood pressure and help people receive appropriate care, while also relieving some of the immense pressure on GPs.
“High blood pressure often doesn’t present any symptoms but if left untreated it can lead to a life-threatening heart attack or stroke.”
The Mirror is campaigning to save family chemists.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “Community pharmacies play a vital role in supporting the NHS.
“Checks done by pharmacists can quickly identify health needs and result in referrals for the right care.
“We back them with £2.6billion a year to deliver pharmaceutical services in England and have announced a further £100million investment in the sector so they can deliver more services.”
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