Pharmacists claim HSE list was just a smokescreen

PHARMACISTS have accused the Health Service Executive of throwing up a smokescreen over a looming crisis in the supply of medicines under the State’s community schemes.

The Irish Pharmacy Union said the list of more than 800 pharmacists that the HSE claimed would dispense drugs from Saturday was inaccurate.

The IPU said about 1,100 pharmacies are expected to withdraw cooperation with the schemes this weekend in a bitter row with the Government over plans to cut fees.