Pharmacists to meet over cost-cutting plan

An emergency meeting of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union takes place today over a controversial cost-cutting plan amid fears of widespread disruption to services.

At least 500 pharmacists are expected to attend talks in Dublin over the Health Service Executive’s initiative to save €100m a year by reducing payments.

The IPU claim the move will result in 300 outlets going out of business and reduce the level of service to patients.

Many chemists will close for the day but some medicines will be available in emergencies.

The IPU, which represents around 1,600 pharmacists, has accused the HSE of abusing its position by trying to push through changes to the community drugs scheme without agreement.

The HSE claims it will save €100m a year if it reduces the wholesale price of drugs paid to pharmacies from 18% to 7%.

An independent body, chaired by former IDA Ireland boss Sean Dorgan, was set up by the Minister for Health Mary Harney over a week ago to examine the dispute.