22/10/2008

Pharmacists Demand Right To Negotiate Directly

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is demanding it be allowed to negotiate directly with the HSE about members' fees following controversial talks between the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and

the Government.

The Competition Authority warned that talks between Government officials and the IMO could be in breach of competition law if discussing payments to GPs. The IPU has hit out at the talks, saying they too should be able to negotiate directly over payment.

"If the Irish Medical Organisation is to be allowed to negotiate directly with the HSE, the IPU should also be covered by any change in the law," said the IPU's Treasurer Mr Dermot Twomey on Wednesday morning.

"We have been calling for a number of years for more direct talks and this position has been supported by Court decisions."

It has since emerged that as part of the Government's agreement to consult with the IMO, the State is to change the law so that the IMO can directly negotiate with it regarding the new capitation fee for over-70s for medical card patients.

The IPU welcomed the decision of the Government to pursue amendments to the Competition Act of 2002, but said it expected that this process would include all health services bodies, including pharmacists.

(DW)

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