I propose to take Questions Nos. 478 and 480 together.
Where a product prescribed for a patient with a Medical Card is the subject of an entry on the Reimbursement List, published pursuant to the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the pharmacist must dispense the product in accordance with the provisions of the Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement.
Where a product is prescribed which does not appear on the Reimbursement List, but is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) item, the pharmacist could apply for authorisation under HSE Discretionary Hardship Arrangements. Alternatively, the pharmacist may indicate to the patient (or the patient’s carer) that the product can be purchased.