Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The development of primary care services is an essential component of the health reform process. In a developed primary care system, up to 95% of people's day-to-day health and social care needs can be met in the primary care setting. Pharmacy services are well placed within the community to provide essential health advice and to support effective care at the lowest level of complexity and in a cost-effective manner. As part of its pre-budget submission, the Irish Pharmacy Union, IPU, proposed that a minor ailments scheme be introduced for General Medical Services, GMS, patients on a cost-neutral basis. The proposed scheme would allow medical card patients access to non-prescription medications to treat minor ailments without the need for a visit to a general practitioner, GP, for a prescription.

As the Government continues to experience increased pressure and demand on the resources within the health system, it is necessary to consider new and innovative ways to provide the services required. The expansion of the role of the community pharmacist to include provision of services such as a minor ailments scheme is worth exploring as the Government seeks to expand further and develop the primary care sector. It is important that such proposals generate real savings on existing public expenditure since the health service continues to operate within tight budget constraints. The Department is further examining the proposal submitted by the IPU, having regard to the evidence base for such a service and any contractual or funding implications.

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