andMr. G. Lynch asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that in some areas medical card holders were permitted to obtain emergency supplies of drugs from local chemists when the required drugs were not available in the local dispensary; but that this concession has been withdrawn; and if he will ensure that any concession granted to medical card holders to enable them to obtain medicines without delay are not withdrawn pending the introduction of the scheme permitting choice of doctor and choice of chemist.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Card Holders.
8.
Arrangements for the provision of medicines to medical card holders in cases of emergency are a matter for local determination by the health board and these emergency arrangements may be varied from time to time in the light of local circumstances. I have ascertained from the Southern Health Board that their recently altered procedures in the Kerry area still provide that in emergencies— which should arise infrequently—drugs may be obtained from retail chemists should this be essential.
Is the Minister not aware that the Southern Health Board met yesterday and after a heated discussion took no action and referred the matter back? Is he not aware that Kerry chemists are refusing to operate the scheme? It is time somebody mediated before the dispute gets any bigger.
I understand the Kerry retail chemists group are meeting the community care committee of the Southern Health Board and we hope the matter will be settled.