Pharmacy sector reform measures approved

REFORMING measures to increase competition and raise standards in Ireland’s pharmacy sector have been approved by the Government.

Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney said priority legislation would be introduced by the end of the year to scrap the prohibition that prevented pharmacists not trained in Ireland from taking charge of new pharmacies.

The legislation will also include fitness to practice provisions to strengthen the powers of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).