Health centres and hospitals may operate as ‘pharmacies’

LOCAL health centres and hospitals across the country may be used by the Health Service Executive as alternative pharmacies to ensure people continue to receive their medicines free of charge under the community drug schemes.

More than 1,000 pharmacists have given 30 days’ notice to the HSE of their intention to discontinue providing services under the Medical Card Schemes and Drug Payment Schemes from August 1.

Irish Patients Association spokesperson, Stephen McMahon, said he hoped the contingency plans would be strong enough to ensure no patient died.