Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minster of State. As we rebuild our health service after Covid-19, we must remember the resources of community pharmacists and the value in which we hold them in the implementation of community healthcare. Changes were made to allow pharmacists to give the emergency contraceptive to women with a medical card.The IT systems are already in place such that in terms of a mechanism for the minor ailment scheme, very little support would be needed for the sector to implement it. The delivery of community care services must be the only way forward. I urge the Minister to enable this vital piece of community-based coverage. We cannot continue to put this on the long finger. A larger trial is not what this industry needs. The scheme has been already trialled and it was a resounding success in the 19 pharmacies. The data collected from the trial justify this. I urge the Minister for Health, when preparing this year's health budget, to include the costing for this scheme. The last thing we need is another trial. This could result in a vital saving and it will help the already stretched health service in this country.