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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 2

Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.

Tony Gregory

Question:

289 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the alternative arrangements being put in place to ensure the availability of methadone on prescription in the context of the pharmacists' refusal to take on additional clients. [7787/02]

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union, IPU, in response to the revocation of the Health (Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement ) Regulations, 1996, made a decision not to take on new patients on the methadone protocol. However, the IPU has indicated that pharmacists will exercise their discretion regarding new patients on a case by case basis and I welcome this.

I have been informed by the Eastern Regional Health Authority that all pharmacists within the methadone scheme have agreed to take any emergency case, namely, individuals who present with HIV, suicidal tendencies, or who are under 18 or pregnant.
For other cases the ERHA and the three area health boards are working to put in place contingency arrangements including extending the mobile bus service and increasing dispensing in their existing treatment services. The majority of opiate misusers reside in the ERHA region. Reports from other health board areas indicate that pharmacists are dealing with new individuals on a case by case basis and the boards are continuing to monitor the situation to ensure appropriate services are provided to all those who require them. I would urge everyone concerned in this action to ensure that this vulnerable group can access the required services.
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