GPs attack Boots for selling morning-after pill over the counter

THE governing body for Irish doctors has hit out at the decision by Boots Pharmacy to sell emergency contraception without prescription.

Until now, women who wished to take the ‘morning-after pill’ had to visit their doctor first. From today, the service will be available in all Boots chemists nationwide.

Dr Mel Bates, chair of the Irish College of General Practitioners, said dispensing emergency contraception in this way raised issues about the quality and continuity of care. He said in a doctor setting, women could be offered advice about contraception and sexually transmitted infections.

“My concern is that the company is cherry picking those who know they probably are not pregnant. In the GP setting, we make them aware that the morning-after pill may be unnecessary in their cases and then they make their own decision.”

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Mr Bates said young people appear to be more concerned about pregnancy than sexually transmitted diseases.

“We are concerned for those who use emergency contraception as their main form of contraception. Planned contraception on a daily basis is far more successful and people in this group may have poor understanding of the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.”

However, Mary Rose Burke, chief pharmacist at Boots, said the pill was not being provided over-the- counter but included provision of a service by a health professional: “The woman will have a consultation and we will provide advice on regular contraception and sexually transmitted diseases.

“This emergency contraception service has been introduced as part of Boots’ objective to provide responsible, accessible and affordable healthcare to its customers.”

Ms Burke said that only if the pharmacist deems it appropriate will the treatment will be given. She said a similar service was available in other European countries.

The new service is offered under a patient group direction (PGD) which allows Boots pharmacists to provide a range of clinical services, including medical treatments. All services are conducted under strict guidelines laid down by its medical director, claims Boots Ireland.

The emergency contraception service is the second PGD service to be rolled out by Boots Ireland, following the recent introduction of a flu vaccination service.

Emergency contraception has been licensed for use in Ireland since 2001, but until now has required a doctor’s prescription.

The pharmacy chain said all pharmacists have completed in-depth training on all aspects of emergency contraception, long-term contraception and other sexual health issues.

The Boots service has been available to Boots customers in Britain and the North for the fee of £24.99. In Ireland the fee from today will be €45.

Choice Ireland and the Irish Family Planning Association have welcomed the new service.