Written answers

Thursday, 24 April 2008

Department of Health and Children

Pharmacy Services

5:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 132: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the contingency plans which have been put in place in case of pharmacists' action to withdraw from the medical card scheme from 1 May 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15841/08]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 134: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the alternatives in place to facilitate holders of medical cards, long-term illness cards and drug payment scheme members from 1 May 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15844/08]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 134 together.

I have been informed by the HSE that it has, to date, received notification from over 500 community pharmacy contractors indicating their intention to either cease providing services from 1st May 2008, or otherwise reserving their right to do so. Community pharmacy contractors are required under the terms of their contract to give three months notice of their intention to withdraw. The HSE is writing to each of the contractors concerned, seeking formal confirmation of their intentions and pointing out that 3 months notice of cessation of service is required. At this point in time, only two contractors have actually given formal notification of termination in accordance with the requirements in the contract.

The HSE has developed a national contingency planning framework which will inform and provide direction to local operational management for the development of local area-specific contingency plans. As service provision, geographical and demographic circumstances will vary from area to area, each local health area is developing its own area-specific contingency plan within the context of the overall national framework. I believe that threats of withdrawal from the community pharmacy contract are unjustified and not in anyone's interest. There is no need to bring patients into a dispute between the pharmacists and the HSE. There can be no grounds for causing upset or anxiety about the supply of prescriptions to patients.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.