In one of our lead news stories this issue, we detail how community pharmacies are now at a ‘tipping point’ and require a restoration in fees to protect the viability of many pharmacies around the country and to maintain key services to patients. The representative body, the Irish Pharmacy Union, has called for the Minister for Health to immediately begin substantive talks ahead of a statutory review of pharmacy fees in June. Since 2009, the amount paid to pharmacies per medicine dispensed has reduced by 19%, while the costs for dispensing medications on behalf of the state have increased by 23%. This is not sustainable and will soon reach the stage where it will cost more to dispense an item than what is paid by the state. Turn to page 5 to read the full story.
Meanwhile, on page 12 we discuss the news that medicine shortages in Ireland continue to persist with 247 different medicines used by Irish patients currently out-of-stock, as a new trend affecting supply develops, according to the latest Medicine Shortage Index.
The latest figures show the number of medicine shortages in Ireland up an additional 19 medicines in short supply since the end of last month, and a 38% increase since the Index began in October. Of the 247 medicines currently unavailable, 13 are listed on the World Medical Organisation’s (WHO) ‘critical medicines’ list.
On Saturday, 27th May over 650 professionals from community pharmacy and their teams, alongside leading members of the pharmaceutical industry gathered at the Clayton Hotel Dublin for the annual Irish Pharmacy Awards.
These Awards have been firmly established as the highlight of the year in community pharmacy as was evident from the outstanding and un-rivalled number of entries comparative to previous years. Our esteemed judging panel had no easy task and while there can only be one winner, each and every one of our finalists deserve applause for their dedication and commitment to not only their profession, but to their customers. Thanks must also go to our Award Sponsor Stakeholders, without whom the night simply wouldn’t happen. It was a fantastic night, enjoyed by all. Turn to page 46 for full details on all the winners and make sure you catch our upcoming issues for full coverage of their winning projects and entries.
We at the IPN offices are looking forward to 2024 already!
We hope you enjoy the issue.
