Pharmacists claim absence of advocate at Government level is hurting their profession

Irish pharmacists have voted unanimously for the appointment of a chief pharmaceutical officer (CPO) to represent their interests at Government level.

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) reiterated its call for such a position which is common in other jurisdictions including in Northern Ireland but does not exist in the Irish system.

This call was overwhelmingly supported at the association’s annual general meeting, where a motion on the subject was debated and unanimously approved. The motion called on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to create such a position.

Pharmacists see such a role as being involved in issues including training, pharmacy workforce, medicines supply and overall strategy development.

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He or she would also address issues such as the current medicine shortages within the Irish system.

IPU pharmacy contractors committee vice-president Liam Butler said the IPU had consistently advocated for the role of a CPO, stressing that without this key position the full potential of pharmacy cannot be realised.

“The appointment of a CPO would ensure that the pharmaceutical care of our population and medicine supply is consistently addressed at the most senior levels of the health system,” he stated.

“It would also facilitate the development of a strategic vision for community-based pharmacy care, ultimately enhancing patient services.”

[ Medicine shortages a growing problem, say pharmacists ]

Mr Butler said in Scotland the chief pharmaceutical officer has developed a clear national pharmacy strategy which is integrated into the wider health service.

“Through this simple but effective structure, pharmacists’ specialist knowledge in medicines is utilised to best effect for people’s health and wellbeing. We need to take a similar approach here,” he explained.

Pharmacists say there is a lack of parity in their professions in the comparison with the fact that there is a chief medical officer and a chief nursing officer.

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