HSE threatens pharmacists with action

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has threatened to take legal action against pharmacists if they do not commit to dispensing medicines to patients under the community drug schemes.

In a statement released this evening, the HSE said it had "begun writing to a number of pharmacists" warning that it would seek injunctionions against pharmacists who do not provide assurance they will continue to co-operate in the scheme as well as the medical card scheme.

It said the it was taking the action in the interests of patient safety.

Pharmacists and the HSE have been engaged in a bitter row over reimbursement for the distribution of drugs.

Under a new system introduced in March, the HSE has reduced the margin paid to pharmaceutical wholesalers from 17 per cent to 8 per cent in a bid to save €100 million. As it has no direct relationship with wholesalers, to achieve its aim the HSE has reduced the reimbursement it pays to pharmacists for drugs and medicines.

It emerged earlier this week that more than 400 pharmacies have initiated legal actions against the HSE over its unilateral and controversial changes in the community drugs and medicine payments scheme.

In this evening’s statement the HSE said each pharmacist was required to provide the HSE with three months notice if they wish to terminate their contract.

The statement said the HSE would take “whatever measures it considers necessary in order to ensure that patient safety is not compromised”. It added that is was continuing to explore alternative arrangements for the provision of services to patients if the pharmacists withdraw service May 1st.

HSE Assistant National Director Pat O Dowd said: “We have previously contacted every pharmacist seeking assurance that they will act in a professional manner and adhere to their contractual obligations, but we have not received an adequate response to date."