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20/07/2016
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.
Eoghan Hanly, Chairman of the IPU's Pharmacy Contractors' Committee, said: "This is a good deal for patients and a good deal for the State, who will save €785millon over the next four years, of which pharmacists will make a significant contribution.
"The IPU is extremely concerned, however, at the short notice of the introduction of the changes, which are set to be implemented from 1 August 2016. This means that the medicines, which pharmacists stock on their shelves for patients on behalf of the HSE, will now be paid for by the HSE at the new lower rates, despite having been purchased by pharmacists at the higher prices which were previously agreed between the HSE and the drug companies."
He called for an increased lead-in time so as to avoid a situation whereby pharmacists are left nursing significant financial losses.
(CD/JP)
However, the IPU expressed concern at the short lead-in time, which will mean that pharmacists with existing stocks will be financially hit.
Eoghan Hanly, Chairman of the IPU's Pharmacy Contractors' Committee, said: "This is a good deal for patients and a good deal for the State, who will save €785millon over the next four years, of which pharmacists will make a significant contribution.
"The IPU is extremely concerned, however, at the short notice of the introduction of the changes, which are set to be implemented from 1 August 2016. This means that the medicines, which pharmacists stock on their shelves for patients on behalf of the HSE, will now be paid for by the HSE at the new lower rates, despite having been purchased by pharmacists at the higher prices which were previously agreed between the HSE and the drug companies."
He called for an increased lead-in time so as to avoid a situation whereby pharmacists are left nursing significant financial losses.
(CD/JP)
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