25th February 2009

Second Phase of the Pharmacy Act 2007 has been commenced

The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD has commenced the second phase of the Pharmacy Act 2007, specifically Parts 4 and 7. Part 4 of the Act relates to the new registration systems for Retail Pharmacy Businesses (pharmacies), pharmacists and pharmaceutical assistants. Part 7 of the Act relates to the new powers of investigation of the Pharmacy Society of Ireland (PSI).

Registration of Retail Pharmacy Businesses

All pharmacies currently operating in the State must be registered with the PSI by 1st January 2009 in order to operate and comply with the new legislation. Pharmacies across the State will now receive application forms for the registration of Retail Pharmacy Businesses and these completed forms, along with some necessary accompanying documentation and the registration fee of €2500 must be returned to the PSI by the 22nd of December so that they can be processed.

In order to facilitate this registration of pharmacies, the PSI has set up a dedicated query email address rpbreg@pharmaceuticalsociety.ie and a helpline 1850 774 734 which is open from 9am to 1pm daily, Monday to Friday for the next few weeks.

HSE TO REINSTATE PAYMENTS TO PHARMACISTS

From 1st November 2008, the HSE will restore the mark-up it pays to Pharmacists from 8% to the previous rate of 17.66%. On September 11th the High Court found that the HSE was in breach of its contract with Pharmacists when it decided to reduce payments for the provision of drugs and services under the medical card scheme. The HSE was orded to pay the costs in the case. In response to the court ruling and in a major climb-down, the HSE announce on the 14th October that it had decided to restore the original mark-up arrangements from the beginning of November.

"In compliance with a recent High Court judgement, the wholesale mark-up the HSE pays to pharmacies for medicines supplied through the various medical card schmes will be increased on November 1st from 8 per cent to 17.66%", it said.

Victory for Hickey in the High Court

The High Court has ruled in favour of Paddy Hickey in his case against the HSE over their unilateral changes to pharmacists' contracts. All costs and damages have been awarded to Hickey.