Pharmacy list - HSE blunder is adding to confusion

Health Minister Mary Harney is right in seeking to cut the cost of medicines. Of course, people differ about who is responsible for the current inflated prices. The minister accused the pharmacies of doubling the cost of medicine since 2002, whereas the pharmacists contend that prices are largely agreed between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The minister contends the proposed cutbacks amount to 24%, whereas the pharmacies insist it is 34%. Pharmacists have accused the minister and the manufacturers of blocking the use of less expensive generic drugs, whereas the minister has accused the doctors of being in league with the manufactures by prescribing brand-named medicines instead of generic alternatives.

With each side blaming the other, one would think that both sides would be particularly careful about the accuracy of their own assertions at this crucial stage. But the HSE has again figuratively shot itself in the foot – this time by publishing a distorted list of pharmacies that are supposedly ready to distribute medicines on behalf of the HSE during the forthcoming pharmacists’ stoppage. Many of the pharmacies listed insist that they will not be cooperating with the HSE. As a result, the list is adding to the confusion.

Of the 1,600 pharmacists participating in the community drugs scheme, the HSE stated that 854 would continue to dispense medicines as normal. The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) insists that over 1,100 pharmacies have notified the HSE that they will not be participating in the scheme from next Saturday.

A pharmacist, who runs 12 pharmacies in Waterford, Tipperary, and Kilkenny, told RTÉ on Tuesday that his premises were all listed as participating, even though he had notified the HSE to the contrary. A HSE spokes- man explained that many pharmacies had been ambiguous about their intentions, so they were published as participating for fear of damaging their businesses.

The two sides have been blaming each other, with the result that this expression of concern was not very convincing. Sixteen of the 19 pharmacies listed for Mayo have reportedly not been involved in the scheme at all. The IPU has accused the HSE of publishing misleading information, while the HSE has promised to update its website as quickly as possible.

Rather than clarifying matters, the publication of the HSE list has actually added to the confusion. Many people may be deluded into a false sense of security.

Speaking on behalf of Age Action, a spokesman advised people on medical cards and those with long- term illnesses to ensure that their pharmacy will continue in the scheme, or to collect their prescriptions and medical records from the non-participating pharmacies. He advised that they should then check out the most suitable participating pharmacy to meet their needs.

Unfortunately this has now been complicated by the publication of the faulty HSE list.