IPU calls for pharmacists to be allowed prescribe medicine

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) has called for a changes in the law to allow pharmacists prescribe medicines in certain narrow and well-defined circumstances.

The union says this would enable patients to have direct access to medicines and antibiotics for minor ailments, help many families who find themselves marginally above the GMS eligibility threshold, and free up GPs' surgeries and Accident and Emergency Departments to deal with more serious matters.