Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
367. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to roll out a regular medicine use review service through the pharmacies for the medical card, DPS and long-term-illness schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20137/23]
View answerI recognise the significant role community pharmacists play in the delivery of patient care and acknowledge the potential for this role to be developed further in the context of health service reform. Their participation in the national COVID-19 vaccination programme – the largest ever undertaken by the State – and in the recently launched free contraception scheme are examples of the importance of their role in the functioning of our health service.
Medicines are the most common healthcare intervention within the health system and the use and complexity of medicines are increasing. Pharmacists are the healthcare professionals optimally placed by virtue of their training to deliver on the critical role within the health system to ensure the rational use of medicines by patients.
I met recently with representatives of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) and various proposals regarding extending the scope of practice offered by community pharmacists were discussed. These are currently under consideration within the Department.
The focus of this scoping work is to increase capacity in the healthcare system overall, to deliver better healthcare outcomes, and to ensure that unintended negative consequences in other parts of the healthcare system do not arise. The implementation of any such proposals necessitates prior engagement with a range of stakeholders and full consideration of all the relevant legislative and operational issues involved.
The Department is open to exploring any evidence based appropriately governed services, delivered by appropriately trained professionals which will support the delivery of the right care, in the right place at the right time.
I believe that there is a real opportunity to work collaboratively, and with other healthcare providers, to make a significant difference to patient outcomes. I acknowledge that collaboration has proven effective in the recent past and I am confident it can continue to do so in the future.
