IPU seeks extension of Drug Payment Scheme deadline

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union has called on the Government to extend the deadline for the submission of claims under the Drug Payment Scheme.

An estimated 20,000 families are entitled to refunds under the scheme and must lodge applications by September 30.

The IPU said only around 2,000 forms had been completed by last week and predicted that its members would be under severe pressure to ensure that the remaining claims were lodged on time.

The union called on Health Minister Micheál Martin to extend the deadline for the scheme, but it also said the Department of Health knew which patients were entitled to refunds and should be willing to pay these refunds without any application from the patients.