Pharmacists 'a step closer' to being able to prescribe medicines
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People could soon get some of their prescription medicines directly from pharmacists.
Minister of State for mental health and older people Mary Butler said supporting legislation was being put in place ahead of a final decision on the matter.
The move was welcomed by the Irish Pharmacy Union as bringing prescribing “a step closer” for its members' patients.
Ms Butler raised the matter during examination of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 by the Oireachtas Health Committee on Thursday.
“I wish to inform the committee that the Government is in the process of finalising a further amendment to facilitate pharmacists prescribing,” she said.
She said a number of other changes were needed to support this move including training for pharmacists.
However, overall she expected the change to empower pharmacists and “open doors for the healthcare service”.
The amendment will be discussed at the next stage of the bill’s progress through the Oireachtas.
This comes as the expert taskforce on pharmacy continues assessing pharmacy prescribing, health department officials told the committee.
The taskforce is working on how the proposal could work, including which medication and health conditions could be covered.
The amendment gives the Government authority to implement any changes recommended.
A report is expected for the Health Minister by mid-June, the officials said.
Irish Pharmacy Union head of strategic policy Claire Fitzell said this was a good move for patients.
“Anyone can come into a pharmacy without an appointment, there is no door in front of us,” she said.
“This is all positive news and we are one step closer to being able to help more people through our pharmacies.”
She cautioned the taskforce was yet to report, but said the move could also help reduce pressures on general practice.
“If the recommendations are positive to allow pharmacists to prescribe — and it looks that way — then the legislation will facilitate the minister to write secondary legislation to empower pharmacists to prescribe," she said.
Ms Fitzell said since the pandemic people have relied more on pharmacies for medical help.
“We had a good vaccination season, we did about 45% of the children’s vaccinations this year,” she said.