Irish Pharmacy Union Welcomes Agreement on Medicines Optimisation Services

31 March 2026 The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed a new agreement that will enable community pharmacies across Ireland to provide enhanced medicines optimisation supports to those with the greatest clinical need. The agreement focuses on delivering practical, clinically appropriate supports, including access to medicines optimisation supports, which may include blister packs, where required.

Welcoming the agreement, IPU President Tom Murray said:

“Pharmacists use their expertise every day to support those managing complex medicines, living with cognitive or physical impairments, or facing significant social challenges. This agreement strengthens our ability to protect vulnerable patients while supporting the safe, effective and evidence-based use of medicines.

“This marks a significant development for patients and for the wider health service. It puts in place a robust, structured support that will improve how medicines are managed in the community while building on the ongoing expansion of the role of pharmacists.”

Patients who are not eligible under this new service for these supports may still choose to avail of medicines optimisation supports including blister packing services through their pharmacy, where this is offered, for an agreed fee, as a private service.

The IPU looks forward to continued engagement with the Department of Health and the HSE on the implementation of this agreement.

 ENDS

 

Note to Editor:

Under the agreement, medicines optimisation supports may be provided under the GMS Scheme where appropriate, to the following:

 

  • Patients who are on high-risk medicines and are at risk of misuse and/or abuse of those medicines.
  • Patients with physical impairment affecting the ability to use conventional packaging (who do not have carers that could support them to use original packs).
  • Patients diagnosed with cognitive impairment or dementia who have carers to support them (including home care) by prompting them to take their medications at the appropriate intervals.
  • Patients with an intellectual disability.
  • Patients who, for social inclusion reasons, including homeless or marginalised people, are unable to appropriately manage their medication.