Pharmacists' row may hit medical card holders
Medical card holders could be forced to pay full price for medication, as a row between pharmacists and the Minister for Health looks set to continue without resolution.
According to the Sunday Independent, the medical card scheme could be suspended in the next two weeks because of Mary Harney's reluctance to negotiate with pharmacy unions.
Today's newspaper report said the Minister is keen to reduce the fee given to pharmacists for operating the medical card scheme.
But neither her Department nor the Health Service Executive is prepared to negotiate with the unions involved, preferring instead to deal with pharmacies on an individual basis.
Pharmacies have said that any cut in the fee it receives would mean they would have to close.
They have also threatened to suspend medical card and community drug schemes - a move that would put huge financial strain on those relying on the services.
Talks took place during the week between unions and health officials in an attempt to ease the stand-off, but no resolution was reached.
