Cuts threaten Inishowen chemist shops 28.09.07

PHARMACISTS in rural parts of Inishowen may be forced to close some outlets due to HSE cuts, a local senator has warned.

Sinn Féin's Senator Pearse Doherty said the HSE decision to cut by 8% the price of medicines paid to pharmacists will see some practitioners pulling out of the medical card scheme. He also warned that if this happens, elderly people and others in Donegal would have to travel miles to the nearest pharmacy. “This is a very serious issue of concern for medical card holders and indeed rural pharmacists," Senator Doherty this week told the Seanad. “Without ministerial intervention this situation is likely to have repercussions for
thousands of medical card holders if local pharmacies withdraw from the General Medical Card scheme." Senator Doherty quoted rural pharmacists who said they would not be able to stay in business under the new HSE rules. “This worrying development poses a real threat to the existence of local pharmacy services in Donegal and throughout rural areas. “Local rural communities have already suffered the loss of post offices and other amenities and are now in danger of losing a vital local health resource. “If this situation is allowed to deteriorate, some people may have to travel 75km and further, simply to access their nearest pharmacy. This will be particularly harsh on the elderly in areas with poor public transport provision," he added.
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