The IPU welcomed the initial recommendation of the Expert Taskforce set up by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD, which will allow pharmacists to extend the validity of prescriptions beyond six months. This recommendation, which will take effect from 1 March 2024, will allow pharmacists to extend prescriptions up to a maximum of 12 months, if they consider it safe and appropriate to do so.
For several years the IPU has advocated for better recognition of the unique skillset of pharmacists and for the endorsement of an expansion of their scope of practice to support patient care. This recommendation by the taskforce acknowledges the IPU position and supports an enhanced role for pharmacists, a move that will improve the care provided to patients in their communities.
Commenting on the taskforce recommendation Derek Reilly, interim Secretary General of the IPU said; “This announcement not only acknowledges the pivotal role of pharmacists as medicines experts but also represents a significant step towards broadening the professional scope of pharmacists. We look forward to seeing additional detail on the implementation of this recommendation and we hope that it is the first of a number of recommendations that will support an enhanced role for pharmacists.”
However, Mr Reilly emphasised the urgent need to address substantial underfunding of the pharmacy sector. He highlighted that the pharmacy profession has endured significant fee reductions over the last 15 years and remains the only healthcare sector without restored fees: “Significant resources will be required to support any enhanced role for pharmacists, and we look forward to continuing discussions with the Department on a restoration of funding to an appropriate level.”
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