Pharmacists concerned over HSE stopgap medicine plans

PHARMACISTS say they are gravely concerned about plans announced yesterday by the HSE to plug the gap left by those who stop providing medicines under the community drug schemes from next month.

As well as local health centres and hospitals, the health authority plans to use border county pharmacies in the North to dispense medicines under the Medical Card Schemes and Drug Payment Schemes from August 1.

Earlier this month, more than 1,000 pharmacists gave 30 days’ notice to the HSE of their intention to discontinue providing services under the community drugs schemes after fees paid to them under them were cut under emergency Government legislation.

An Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) spokesperson said what had been dubbed phase one of the contingency plan by the HSE was totally inadequate in terms of meeting the medicines needs of patients.

Last week, the HSE placed adverts in newspapers in the North inviting expressions of interest from border county pharmacies with contracts with the Health and Social Care Board of Northern Ireland to dispense medicines to HSE clients from next month

HSE chief pharmacist Kate Mulvenna said it would not be possible to replace every pharmacy that withdraws services and people might have to travel further than normal to get their medicine.

“We would encourage family, friends and neighbours to assist vulnerable people who may have transport difficulties to secure their medication,” she said.

During the coming weeks the HSE will detail pharmacies which will continue to participate in the schemes through the HSE infoline 1850 24 1850, advertisements and on www.hse.ie.