asked the Minister for Health whether he will arrange with each health authority to supply drugs prescribed by specialists to medical card holders at the local dispensary.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Drugs.
5.
Health authorities have arranged, wherever possible, for the supply of medicines at local dispensaries, to medical card holders attending doctors other than their district medical officers. In areas where such arrangements are not operative, health authorities are prepared to make alternative arrangements for the supply of medicines on request from the patients concerned.
Would the Minister consider it wrong or illegal for a pharmacist at a local health authority dispensary to refuse to dispense doctors' prescriptions?
I do not know whether it is illegal. I have had replies from a number of health authorities— Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Meath and Tipperary—who apparently are able to make the necessary arrangements. I have not had any such complaints.
The question arises where there is not a pharmacist and where the doctor has to do the dispensing.
If the Deputy will give me particulars of the case I shall find out why the pharmacist refused to supply and what can be done. I do not think he can be compelled to supply. I would approach the pharmaceutical association.
Would it not be necessary now, with the introduction of the new free choice of chemist?
That was also related to the choice of doctor principle.