HSE: No IPU pullout over cuts

DESPITE a threat by pharmacists to withdraw from the community drugs scheme, no pharmacist has given notice of their intention to quit to the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) warned of widespread withdrawal by its members from the scheme at an emergency meeting in Dublin on Wednesday, attended by more than 1,000 pharmacists from around the country.

The meeting was held to discuss the HSE’s cost-cutting measures that pharmacists insist will reduce their incomes by up to 30% and lead to pharmacy closures.

The HSE has said people are paying too much for drugs and stressed that the cut from 17% to 7% in wholesale margins should be cost-neutral for pharmacists.

Pharmacists are required to give three months’ notice of their intention to quit the community drugs payment scheme.

The HSE confirmed yesterday that no pharmacist had given notice. A spokes-person said people who contacted the health authority’s information line (1850 241850) in relation to the pharmacists’ row with the health authority had not experienced any difficulty in getting their medicines.