HSE assurance on supply of medicines

IN his letter (July 16), Michael Mernagh expressed concerns that his “life-saving medicines might be withheld”. The HSE wishes to reassure Mr Mernagh, and others who avail of the state’s drugs scheme, such as the medical card scheme and the long-term illness scheme, that access to medicines will continue regardless of any disruption to the service from August 1.

Additionally, those holding medical cards and long-term illness cards will not have to pay for their medicines.

The threatened disruption of services by some community pharmacy contractors comes in response to the latest initiative in the ongoing programme to lower medicine prices for the taxpayer. Payment rates for drugs prescribed under the state’s drugs scheme are being reduced.

If people are concerned about receiving medicines they should contact their local pharmacist to see if he or she intends to continue to supply medicine services under these schemes after August 1. A contingency plan is underway to ensure that supplies of medicines to people under the various state schemes will continue under present terms. Unfortunately, it will not be possible for the HSE to replicate the existing network of community pharmacies. This may result in people having to travel a little further in order to receive their medicines.

A public information campaign will inform people of where they can access their medicines from alternate sources of supply in their area should their normal pharmacist withdraw service. Further information can be obtained from the HSE infoline 1850241850.

Paul Connors

HSE Director of Communications

Parkgate Street Business Centre

Dublin 8