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Industry Update
A number
of issues within the Pharmaceutical Industry and in Congress have created
an environment ready to support a shift to secure automated prescription
dispensing.
Prescription volume projected to increase dramatically
Due to the aging population of the U.S. and the escalating needs of pharmaceuticals
to treat illnesses, leading analysts expect prescription volume to increase
by 46% over the next four years. (Source: NACDS)
An acute shortage of licensed pharmacists
The current shortage of pharmacists exceeds 7,000 nationwide. With pharmacy
school enrollment projected to increase by only 6% in the same four- year
period, the shortage will continue to grow. (Source: NACDS)
The supply/demand scale for registered pharmacists is out of balance.
The result is escalating costs, reduced service, stress and burnout. These
problems increase the potential for dispensing errors and patient harm.
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