Cuts in pharmacy payments announced

Health Minister Mary Harney has announced reductions in payments to community pharmacists to reduce the rise in State expenditure on drugs and medicines

The cuts, under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009, are aimed at reducing the cost to taxpayers of drugs and medicines dispensed under the GMS (medical card), the Drug Payment Scheme, the Long Term Illness Scheme and other community drugs schemes, a statement from the Department of Health and Children said.