‘Nothing to stop a Shipman from happening here’

A ROGUE doctor like British serial killer Harold Shipman could strike in Ireland unless drugs laws are tightened, according to the State pharmacies’ regulator.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) warned current laws would be unable to stop a Shipman-like doctor obtaining hard drugs to kill patients.

Over 23 years, the Manchester GP killed more than 200 patients using lethal doses of diamorphine - pharmaceutical heroin obtained from chemists.

PSI president Ronan Quirke is pressing Health Minister Mary Harney to reform the pharmacy laws.

“There’s nothing to prevent a Shipman from happening here. I’m not saying there is someone like that operating here but how do we know? The proper checks and balances for [people getting hold of] dangerous drugs like diamorphine are absent.”

The inquiry into Shipman’s killings heard he was able to obtain enough diamorphine in 1996 to kill 360 people.

Mr Quirke said Irish pharmacies were governed by laws dating back to the 19th and 18th centuries, paving the way for dishonest GPs to obtain medicines.

Mr Quirke said the PSI wanted to see licensing of pharmacies and the people who own them.

It also wanted “fitness to practice” laws so the society could ensure all pharmacists had up-to-date skills.

Currently, a pharmacist needs professional examinations to qualify. There is no need for them to refresh their skills or knowledge.

Mr Quirke said PSI powers to enforce high standards are inadequate, adding: “We have rights to inspect pharmacies but we have 19th century powers of prosecution and these bear no relation to how pharmacies currently practice.”

The Department of Health said two Oireachtas bills were in the pipeline.

Spokeswoman Frances Quaid said: “The bills will provide for the safe and effective delivery of pharmaceutical services to all citizens, and reinforce the position of the PSI in relation to the education, training, registration and control of pharmacists.”