22/07/2009
NI Pharmacies May Dispense Across Border
The Irish Republic's Health Service Executive (HSE) has invited pharmacies in Northern Ireland to consider dispensing medicines to its own medical card patients in border counties.
The move is being planned from the beginning of next month, with an invitation issued through newspaper advertisements.
It comes as the HSE attempts to put in place arrangements to ensure thousands of patients are still able to have their prescriptions filled next month when hundreds of pharmacies withdraw from dispensing drugs under a host of State schemes.
Up to 900 pharmacies have already given the HSE notice of their intention to withdraw from providing these services from August 1st as a result of a Government decision to cut their fees.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said this will result in an average loss in income for pharmacists of 34% and the closure of some pharmacies with the possible loss of up to 5,000 jobs.
However, the HSE is putting in place alternative arrangements, effectively to 'face down' the pharmacists and to ensure everyone who requires medicines under the State drugs schemes can continue to access them, though it acknowledged some people may have to travel further for their medicines as a result of the dispute.
The cross-border initiative is one option being planned.
(BMcC/JM)
The move is being planned from the beginning of next month, with an invitation issued through newspaper advertisements.
It comes as the HSE attempts to put in place arrangements to ensure thousands of patients are still able to have their prescriptions filled next month when hundreds of pharmacies withdraw from dispensing drugs under a host of State schemes.
Up to 900 pharmacies have already given the HSE notice of their intention to withdraw from providing these services from August 1st as a result of a Government decision to cut their fees.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said this will result in an average loss in income for pharmacists of 34% and the closure of some pharmacies with the possible loss of up to 5,000 jobs.
However, the HSE is putting in place alternative arrangements, effectively to 'face down' the pharmacists and to ensure everyone who requires medicines under the State drugs schemes can continue to access them, though it acknowledged some people may have to travel further for their medicines as a result of the dispute.
The cross-border initiative is one option being planned.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 July 2024
How To Get Recommendations For Your Business In Northern Ireland
Would you trust a business, or recommendations from friends and family more? All companies have a vested interest, as they are trying to sell a product. Customers know this. Thus, the best form of marketing is word of mouth, but that is not easy to get. Below, we discuss how you can find recommendations for your business in Northern Ireland.
How To Get Recommendations For Your Business In Northern Ireland
Would you trust a business, or recommendations from friends and family more? All companies have a vested interest, as they are trying to sell a product. Customers know this. Thus, the best form of marketing is word of mouth, but that is not easy to get. Below, we discuss how you can find recommendations for your business in Northern Ireland.
26 March 2024
Health And Social Care Easter Arrangements Outlined
The Department of Health has announced arrangements for health and social care services over the Easter holiday period, encouraging everyone to look after themselves, both physically and mentally.
Health And Social Care Easter Arrangements Outlined
The Department of Health has announced arrangements for health and social care services over the Easter holiday period, encouraging everyone to look after themselves, both physically and mentally.
28 February 2008
Pharmacists Sick Of Government Health Plan
Pharmacists have told the Irish Government they will halt the Departments's sponsored health schemes if controversial HSE plans go ahead.
Pharmacists Sick Of Government Health Plan
Pharmacists have told the Irish Government they will halt the Departments's sponsored health schemes if controversial HSE plans go ahead.
20 July 2016
IPU Welcomes Announcement To Reduce Price Of Medicines
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the agreement between IPHA and the Government to reduce the price of medicines. However, the IPU expressed concern at the short lead-in time, which will mean that pharmacists with existing stocks will be financially hit.
IPU Welcomes Announcement To Reduce Price Of Medicines
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the agreement between IPHA and the Government to reduce the price of medicines. However, the IPU expressed concern at the short lead-in time, which will mean that pharmacists with existing stocks will be financially hit.
18 June 2012
IPHA Say HSE Not Funding New Medicines
The organisation representing the pharmaceutical industry has claimed that patients are not getting access to new medicines. The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) also claims that the HSE is not funding medicines that have been independently deemed as cost-effective.
IPHA Say HSE Not Funding New Medicines
The organisation representing the pharmaceutical industry has claimed that patients are not getting access to new medicines. The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) also claims that the HSE is not funding medicines that have been independently deemed as cost-effective.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with scattered showers, some of these could be heavy in the afternoon. Becoming mostly dry by evening with increasing amounts of sunshine. Feeling rather warm. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A bright end to the day with any showers quickly dying out. Dry overnight with long clear spells and light winds. Minimum temperature 11 °C.