Nursing home residents to pay 50c prescription charge

A PLEA to exempt nursing home residents from the controversial 50 cent prescription charge has been rejected by Health Minister Mary Harney.

Nursing Home Ireland asked the minister to exempt nursing home residents from the charge that will be introduced from October 1.

In a letter to NHI’s chief executive, Tadhg Daly, Ms Harney said she did not consider it “appropriate” to exempt nursing home residents from charges at this time. The minister did not give any explanation for her decision, described as “disappointing” by Mr Daly.