DONEGAL people who fear
they may have to pay for vital medication from next
month have been assured that no decision has been
made by pharmacists to withdraw from the GMS scheme.
A meeting between the HSE and pharmacists this week
was 'constructive', said Fianna Fail TD for Donegal
North East, Deputy Niall Blaney.
He stressed that no decision had been made
nationally by the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU)
to withdraw services under the community pharmacy
scheme.
“Many people have contacted my office very worried,
believing that the scheme will be withdrawn from
pharmacies in November," he said.
“This is not the case, no decision has been made by
IPU or the HSE in regard to this, and discussions
are still ongoing.”
Deputy Blaney said Health Minister Mary Harney had
openly signalled her disapproval of any threatened
withdrawl of GMS services, as this would directly
affect the people who are most in need of
assistance.
“I want to reassure people that no decision has been
made as of yet," said Deputy Blaney.
“People cannot be left in a situation whereby they
have to finance expensive medicines themselves
before being reimbursed. This would not be possible
for many, and I can understand why people would be
concerned at such a prospect.
“I will continue to keep in touch with Minister
Harney and her office on this issue," he added. |
