HSE medicines plan to be put to test today

The HSE's contingency plan for dispensing medicines to medical-card holders is set to be put to the test today as demand increases following the bank holiday weekend.

On Saturday, hundreds of pharmacies withdrew from the medical-card scheme in protest at the decision to unilaterally reduce their fees.

The HSE says hundreds more pharmacies are still participating in the scheme and it has also set up temporary facilities to dispense medicines in some areas.

However, the Irish Pharmacy Union says there were problems with the HSE's contingency plan on Saturday and it might not be able to cope with the increased demand today.