Medical card patients to receive free pharmacy supports under new agreement

The supports will include medication reminder charts, easy-open packaging, large-print or Braille labels, medication alarms, phased dispensing, and, in some cases, blister packs. Picture: PA

Pharmacy customers with medical cards, including people with dementia or disabilities, will get free supports such as medicine reminder alarms under a new agreement between the Irish Pharmacy Union and the State.

Any medical card holder who was receiving medicines in a blister pack or dispensed in a phased way from their pharmacist up to August 2025 will continue to receive this free of charge.

The supports will include medication reminder charts, easy-open packaging, large-print or Braille labels, medication alarms, phased dispensing, and, in some cases, blister packs.

Widespread concerns were raised in December that proposed changes would lead to increased charges for patients and remove some existing supports.

Fears focused particularly on blister packs — boxes of plastic pockets with tablets or capsules placed into them by pharmacists.

Medical card holders eligible for the new supports include people with diagnosed cognitive impairment or dementia, intellectual disability, physical impairment, or those at risk of medication misuse.

The department of health said on Tuesday that blister packs can still be provided if the pharmacist considers them clinically necessary. This will be free for anyone with a medical card.

The changes will also see the phased dispensing scheme adjusted and made more flexible, allowing pharmacists greater latitude in supporting patients. This is often used for people relying on high-risk medicines such as antipsychotics or opioids. 

They may need or prefer to collect medication daily or weekly.

The department said that instead of focusing on the number of items dispensed, the new system covers a wider range of supports.

The IPU also said patients who fall outside the named groups can still access these supports, but only for a fee agreed with their pharmacist. This will be provided as a private service.

People on the Long-Term Illness Scheme can get advice on managing their medication, but blister packs will only be free if they also have a medical card.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “Today’s announcement sends a strong message to patients and the pharmacy profession that we are recognising the vital role of community pharmacists, giving them greater flexibility to use their professional judgment and putting patient care at the centre of health services.” 

The Irish Pharmacy Union said the new deal includes “access to medicines optimisation supports, which may include blister packs, where required.”

Tom Murray, IPU president said: “This agreement strengthens our ability to protect vulnerable patients while supporting the safe, effective and evidence-based use of medicines.” 

He described it as a “significant development” for patients, adding that it provides structured support for managing medicines.