Pharmacies forced to refuse women seeking free contraception under new scheme

'Allowing pharmacies to directly supply contraception on foot of a structured consultation would be safe, accessible, and convenient for patients and provide benefits for the health system as a whole as resources would be utilised more effectively.'

Pharmacists are turning away customers seeking access to free routine contraception as confusion grows over why it is not available without a prescription.

Women can receive the emergency morning-after pill from pharmacies, but a new Government scheme offering free routine contraception to women, aged 17 to 30, can only be availed of through GPs.

Irish Pharmacy Union officer and pharmacist Tom Murray said: “We do get customers who say they thought they could access it through the pharmacy. Already there are ladies who contact us saying, ‘Can I get my pill?’ and we have to say ‘No, you need a prescription for it'.” 

He said the scheme will mean additional pressure on GPs.

“Allowing pharmacies to directly supply contraception on foot of a structured consultation would be safe, accessible, and convenient for patients and provide benefits for the health system as a whole as resources would be utilised more effectively,” he said.

Frustration

It is a source of frustration to pharmacists who already have experience in this area.

“I would have no hesitation about this. I’m already offering emergency contraception since 2011,” he said.

He welcomed the recent establishment of a Government taskforce to examine this and other potential changes, including a minor ailments scheme.

“However, pharmacies will not be able to expand their services if the funding they receive is not addressed.

“Research by Fitzgerald Power has found that 10% of pharmacies are losing money. Many have cut hours, are closing at weekends, and are rationalising services,” he warned.

We are at a tipping point and Government must decide now if they want to act to enhance community healthcare or subject the sector to these ongoing challenges.” 

The Department of Health said an expert taskforce looking at the expansion of pharmacists’ role had already started work.

“Extending the role of pharmacists in the Free Contraception Service is being considered in the context of the wider work happening to maximise the impact of pharmacy in Ireland,” a spokesman said.

“Specific requirements for extending the role of pharmacists in the scheme are currently being scoped, with many requirements such as the legal basis, training requirements, and financial matters under consideration.”