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28/02/2008
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.
The government’s plan to cut the payments made to pharmacies to pay for drugs and medicines has been met with opposition by pharmacists who have threatened to stop operating the medical card and drug-payment scheme.
The Health Minister, Mary Harney, has moved to reassure patients saying they will not be affected by such a move.
The HSE planned to introduce measures to reduce the wholesale price of drugs paid to pharmacies from 18% to seven per cent on in a bid to cut costs by €100 million a year.
But pharmacists claim the move will not only lead to 300 of them going out of business but will also have a major impact on patients.
Ms Harney has hit back at the outcry however by pointing out Irish pharmacists enjoy the highest mark-up in the world from drug sales.
Ms Harney also said a HSE helpline will be available from Saturday to ensure patients can get access to their medication if pharmacies carry through their threat.
(DW)
The government’s plan to cut the payments made to pharmacies to pay for drugs and medicines has been met with opposition by pharmacists who have threatened to stop operating the medical card and drug-payment scheme.
The Health Minister, Mary Harney, has moved to reassure patients saying they will not be affected by such a move.
The HSE planned to introduce measures to reduce the wholesale price of drugs paid to pharmacies from 18% to seven per cent on in a bid to cut costs by €100 million a year.
But pharmacists claim the move will not only lead to 300 of them going out of business but will also have a major impact on patients.
Ms Harney has hit back at the outcry however by pointing out Irish pharmacists enjoy the highest mark-up in the world from drug sales.
Ms Harney also said a HSE helpline will be available from Saturday to ensure patients can get access to their medication if pharmacies carry through their threat.
(DW)
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01 May 2008
Breakthrough Talks See Pharmacists Withdraw Threat
Pharmacists have withdrawn their threat to boycott community drugs schemes after a breakthrough in talks on Wednesday night. Up to 900 pharmacies were threatening to stop dispensing medicine under various schemes due to a row over the payments they receive from the HSE for wholesale medicines.
Breakthrough Talks See Pharmacists Withdraw Threat
Pharmacists have withdrawn their threat to boycott community drugs schemes after a breakthrough in talks on Wednesday night. Up to 900 pharmacies were threatening to stop dispensing medicine under various schemes due to a row over the payments they receive from the HSE for wholesale medicines.
15 April 2008
Pharmacists Lodge 400 Actions At High Court
Over 400 Irish pharmacists have lodged high court actions against the government over plans to reduce the HSE's drugs bill. The chemists are seeking injunctions to stop the HSE making controversial changes to their fees for dispensing drugs, which would save the service up to €100 million a year.
Pharmacists Lodge 400 Actions At High Court
Over 400 Irish pharmacists have lodged high court actions against the government over plans to reduce the HSE's drugs bill. The chemists are seeking injunctions to stop the HSE making controversial changes to their fees for dispensing drugs, which would save the service up to €100 million a year.
22 July 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.
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.
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.
22 July 2008
Pharmacists Begin Legal Challenge With HSE
Legal proceedings brought by pharmacists against the HSE's decision to unilaterally cut the price for its wholesale medicines is due to get underway on Tuesday. The HSE imposed an 8% reduction in the price it pays pharmacists for medicine in an effort to save €100m.
Pharmacists Begin Legal Challenge With HSE
Legal proceedings brought by pharmacists against the HSE's decision to unilaterally cut the price for its wholesale medicines is due to get underway on Tuesday. The HSE imposed an 8% reduction in the price it pays pharmacists for medicine in an effort to save €100m.
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