Number of pharmacists at all-time high

THE number of pharmacists and pharmacies in Ireland is at an all-time high, figures show.

And almost half of new pharmacists registered with the State’s pharmacy regulator are from other EU countries.

A total of 4,385 pharmacists and 1,621 pharmacies are registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).

There are 1,560 community pharmacies and 61 hospital pharmacies.

Since the start of the year 51 pharmacies have registered as providers and 28 pharmacy outlets are pending.

Commenting on the figures, PSI president Brendan Hayes said there was a need for an expert group to report on what change must occur in the pharmacy profession to ensure that health needs continue to be met.

“It is very encouraging to see such a healthy increase in pharmacist and pharmacy numbers.

“Pharmacy practice is a key essential frontline health service easily accessible and readily available in every community town and city,” he said.

Mr Hayes said the pharmacy profession “of the near future” would have a greater focus on patient well-being, high quality service and satisfaction.

And with new pharmacy legislation in place since May, it was a question of implementing its various elements so that pharmacies could perform to the highest global standards of practice possible, he said.

The Pharmacy Act 2007 is the first piece of legislation to be introduced in the pharmacy sector for 130 years.

The sector is regulated by the council of the PSI, which has a non-pharmacist majority.