Lloyds Bank Seeks Administration for Jhoots Chemist Amid Financial Struggles
Lloyds Bank has filed a High Court application to appoint an administrator to place Jhoots Chemist, trading as Jhoots Pharmacy, into insolvency. The company, operated by Sarbjit Singh Jhooty and based in Walsall, runs over 100 outlets. In November, Allied Pharmacies acquired around 60 of these stores.
In autumn, Members of Parliament criticized Jhoots for unpaid locum pharmacists, alleging arrears of about £670,000. An October parliamentary debate also raised concerns regarding the frequent opening of branches, the management of controlled drugs, and payments to staff and suppliers. Pharmacy minister Stephen Kinnock noted that some pharmacies fall short of standards.
Jhoots Chemist has a history of unsatisfied county court judgments related to money owed. Financially, the company faces creditors exceeding £5 million, a loss of nearly £1.9 million for the year ending December 2024, and owes £1.7 million to lenders. Lloyds Bank holds 16 unsatisfied charges. Despite these challenges, the company directors stated that going-concern uncertainties do not apply. Sarbjit Jhooty did not comment on the situation.
The Jhoots branding is also used by Manjit Jhooty, who asserts that his operations are separate and have been rebranded as JHL Pharmacy. The Lloyds Bank application does not affect these operations.
