Age Action attacks decision by pharmacies to remain shut

AGE Action has condemned the decision by some pharmacists involved in the dispute over fees under the community drugs schemes to remain closed today.

Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said the closure of pharmacies that have withdrawn from the state schemes would make it even more difficult for older people to get their prescriptions back and have them filled by participating pharmacies.

Both Age Action and the Irish Patients’ Association issued a joint plea yesterday to both sides in the dispute to agree to an independent facilitator to find an urgent solution to the impasse.

Age Action is particularly concerned at the impact the dispute will have on elderly people living in rural areas.

Health Minister Mary Harney said the cuts would slash payments to pharmacists by 24%, but the Irish Pharmacy Union claim the cut is closer to 34%.

The Health Service Executive said last night that almost 1,000 pharmacists would continue to provide services to customers under the schemes. According to the IPU, however, the number is around 400 to 500.

Some pharmacies participating in the schemes said they would only dispense drugs under the schemes to regular customers because they could not cope with an influx of customers from non-participating pharmacies.

The IPU said it seemed likely that many pharmacists would no longer be able to supply medicines under the schemes from today.

It said patients were facing an “intolerable situation” as it became clear that the HSE’s contingency plans were totally inadequate.

The IPU warned of “potential dangerous situations” developing because of a lack of HSE pharmacy cover in areas such as Waterford, Wexford, Cavan, Donegal, Kerry, Connemara (Co Galway) and Mayo.

IPU president Liz Hoctor said that, ultimately, responsibility for patients and their care rested with Ms Harney.

The HSE said 120 pharmacists withdrew their notice to withdraw from the schemes this week and the number of valid notices stood at 726.

The health authority has made arrangements to dispense drugs under the schemes from hospitals and health centres.

- More information is available at www.hse.ie. The HSE’s information line – 1850-241850 will be open from 8am until 8pm today.