Galway Advertiser 2008/GA_2008_02_14/GA_1402_E1_017.pdf 

Extracted text

February 14 2008

www.galwayadvertiser.ie

17

YOUR MEDICAL CARD IS AT RISK
Last year the HSE commissioned Indecon an International economic consultancy to look at the Pharmacy sector and the payments made to pharmacies, and provide Minister Harney with a report on their findings. The report stated "We believe that changes and the impact of changes should be evaluated in advance in conjunction with key stakeholders." IN OTHER WORDS CHANGE NOTHING UNTIL YOU HAVE CONSULTED ALL CONCERNED. In a report in The Irish Times on Sat 29th Dec, 07 Ms Harney said "The State is in a very dominant postition and has to ensure that in that dominant position there is objectivity and fairness in the manner in which it sets about determining what a fair return is for the service of contract." She stated that the Government was considering the etablishment of a new independent body to recomment on fee scales for self employed professionals such as G.P.s, Pharmacists and Dentists who provide services on contract to the State. In Jan 08 the HSE sent a new contract to all Pharmacists. This was done with no regard to the findings of the Indecon report and no discussion with the Pharmacists involved. The new contract proposes aying Pharmacies 8% less for drugs than the Pharmacy actually pays for them and does not specify what fees will be paid for services from 1st Mar, 08.

No business can sell drugs to the Government at 8% less than the drugs cost. No business can agree to provide services unless it knows in advance what it will be paid for those services.
If you have a Medical Card, Drugs Payment Card or Long Term Illness Book contact the HSE at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway to find out what arrangements are in place to supply you with your medication if this breach of contract by Minister Harney goes ahead, on 1st March 2008