IPU Welcomes Passing of Health Miscellaneous Provisions Bill

Stolen St. James’s Hospital Prescription Pad
  • Calls for rapid implementation.

 

11 July 2024: The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) welcomed the passing of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024. The legislation will facilitate an enhanced role for pharmacists and will assist with the management of the ongoing global problem of medicine shortages.

The legislation will enable the Minister for Health to pass regulations allowing for patients to access certain medications directly from their pharmacy without the need for a GP visit or prescription. It is anticipated that this may include the contraceptive pill.

To address medicines shortages this legislation will empower Pharmacists to recommend clinically appropriate substitute medicines when a prescribed medication is unavailable. This will save healthcare professionals significant time and crucially ensure that patients receive medication in a timely manner.

Welcoming the legislation today, the IPU calls for its rapid implementation to bring these benefits to patients as quickly as possible.

 

ENDS