The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7207 p91
20 July 2002

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Introduction of one-stop health centres worries local pharmacists in Ireland

One-stop health centres being introduced in the Irish Republic, under public-private partnership schemes, are causing concern to local pharmacists, who fear their livelihoods could be threatened.

Centres being set up by groups of GPs are recruiting pharmacists, as well as nurses, physiotherapists and other paramedical personnel. Some have applied for state contracts, with prescriptions to be processed on the premises.

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union, which represents 1,200 pharmacies across the republic, is still awaiting an announcement of what new rules will apply following deregulation of the sector. It has asked for a meeting with Health Minister Micheal Martin to discuss the latest development. "He has told us he sees pharmacists as part of a community care network," says IPU president Richard Collis, "but that's not what's happening here."

According to Mr Collis, GP groups planning one-stop centres in Wicklow, Wexford, Limerick and other areas have already applied to open pharmacies.

"If this is allowed to happen, then existing local pharmacies will simply be put out of business," he said. "We feel this development is anticompetitive and will ultimately diminish the choice available to the consumer."

Responding to the criticism, Dr James O'Reilly, chairman of the GP committee of the Irish Medical Organisation, said he understood "the sensitivities around the issue" from the point of view of pharmacists. However, he did not believe there was any threat to the viability of existing pharmacy businesses.