Pharmacists object to drug scheme
As part of a €20m cost-cutting drive, the minister is to axe advance payments to chemists, reduce subsidies for medicines and increase the use of cheaper generic drugs. However, pharmacists are angered by the move and are demanding an immediate meeting with Minister Martin.
They say they were not consulted over the measures and argue that attempts to stamp out invalid claims will penalise people who are ill.
The Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) also says that it is a “total misrepresentation” of the facts for the minister to portray these measures as an attempt to protect those on low incomes.
Minister Martin, however, has defended the move and says they were needed following a 40% increase, or 56m, in the cost of the repayment scheme since 2000.
Seamus Feely, secretary general of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, said yesterday there were better ways to reduce costs in the area: “It’s short-term reaction to achieve a reduction in spending, but needs a more strategic approach.
“We’re suggesting that pharmacists themselves do a review of a person’s medication, which would help secure value for money and improve patient outcomes.”
Minister Martin says substitution of generic drugs for branded versions in almost 20% of prescriptions would save €2m.
He is ordering a detailed examination of invalid or ineligible claims for which pharmacists are currently reimbursed which is aimed at saving of €2m.
Mr Feely rejected some suggestions of bogus claims put forward by pharmacists and said administration at health board level was to blame for ineligible claims.
The IPU says it does not accept assertions that advance payments to pharmacists should be discontinued. They say pharmacists currently wait up to nine weeks for payment from the State.
The union also says it is important that their introduction does not reduce compliance with medication, which will simply lead to further costs in other parts of the health service The union has already been in formal contact with the Department of Health and expects a meeting with the minister shortly.
Pharmacists and the minister clashed earlier this year when he deregulated the industry after receiving legal advice that it was anti-competitive.
The IPU is still in discussions with the Department over a range of concerns relating to deregulation.
They say that, under the current system, anyone can open a pharmacy and are proposing a European model which would place more control in the hands of pharmacists.
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