HSE proposals

Local pharmacists have launched a poster and leaflet campaign to inform patients that pharmacy services are at risk as a result of HSE proposals, which are due to come into effect on March 1st, The HSE is seeking to reduce the payments it makes to pharmacists on the community drugs schemes. Pharmacists fear that these reductions, if implemented, could make it financially unviable for many pharmacists to continue to participate in the Medical Card Scheme.

President of the Irish Pharmacy Union, Michael Guckiansaid "The HSE actions will destroy one of the few parts of the health service that works. This may lead to the closure of many community pharmacies, leaving many communities without a local pharmacy. We have seen no evidence that the HSE has considered how its proposals will affect patients and are calling on the HSE to sit down and talk to us about this payments issue and all aspects of the pharmacy contract. We urge them to have these issues independently assessed."

Pharmacists are asking the public to contact the Minister for Health and Children, the Chief Executive of the HSE and their local TD to support pharmacy services.