Pharmacy industry warns deregulation must be controlled

The Minister for Health has been told deregulation of the pharmacy industry must be controlled.

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union is warning that a majority of Ireland's pharmacies will be owned by just a few big companies.

The union is calling for the contract for the General Medical Services Scheme to be restricted to independent healthcare professionals.

IPU President, Richard Collis, said deregulation is affecting the service patients on regular prescription medication are getting from independent chemist shops.