IPU seeks greater role in treating diseases like diabetes

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) is seeking to get a greater role for its members in the area of patient care.

The union says an expanded role for pharmacists would save the Government money and be of huge benefit to patients in managing chronic illnesses.

IPU president Michael Guckian says the cost to the State of chronic diseases such as diabetes would also be significantly reduced if pharmacists were involved in their management: "We're not being utilised to the full potential," he says.

"There are an awful lot of people out there who don't know they have diabetes and if we can screen them and point them in the right direction, an awful lot more people would be treated."