HSE accuses pharmacists of scaremongering

The Health Service Executive is accusing the Irish Pharmacy Union of scaremongering in relation to the ongoing pharmacists' dispute.

Hundreds of pharmacies withdrew from the medical-card scheme over the weekend in protest at a decision to unilaterally reduce their fees for dispensing free medicines.

However, hundreds of pharmacies are still participating and the HSE has also set up temporary dispensing facilities in some areas.

The HSE says the contingency plan is adequate to meet the needs of the public, but the IPU is insisting that the system will come under intense pressure today due to a surge in demand after the long weekend.