Fears over supply of vital medicines

THERE has been a worrying increase in the number of key medicines, including cancer-treating drugs, in short supply or unavailable, pharmacists have warned.

According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), over 40 medicines have gone out of circulation over the last few weeks.

The IPU insists it is the responsibility of the Irish Medicines Board (IMB), the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health to ensure that prescription medicines are available to patients.