Ivor Callely
Ceist:120 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the role and likely changes of community pharmacies over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4175/97]
Written Answers. - Community Pharmacies.
Limerick East): A new agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union on the provision of community pharmacy services under the Health Act, 1970, was introduced in 1996. The agreement comprises a package of measures as follows:
(i) a new contract for the provision of all community pharmacy services under the Health Act, 1970. The contract provides a major new emphasis on the professional role of the pharmacist. It also sets out in the context of the patient-pharmacist relationship new standards in the quality of community pharmacy services expected;
(ii) the introduction of appropriate accountability arrangements in the operation of the community drugs schemes;
(iii) a new more effective, acceptable and appropriate arrangement for the dispensing of high-tech drugs through community pharmacies;
(iv) a system of regulating the granting of pharmacy contracts in accordance with the public health criteria which would have the effect of improving patient access to pharmacy services, improving standards and bringing this country into line with other EU-EEA member states;
(v) support for programmes to enable community pharmacists to maintain and update their professional skills by providing approved continuing education courses in the practice of pharmacy;
(vi) funding to support community pharmacists undertaking the necessary upgrading of their equipment for the purposes of improving IT and telematic linkages with health boards and the GMS (Payments) Board including the implementation of the improved accountability arrangements;
(vii) a series of measures designed to improve communications between health boards and community pharmacists.
I am satisfied that the new agreement will bring about significant improvements in the overall quality of, and accountability arrangements for, community pharmacy services thereby enhancing the role of community pharmacists and resulting in improved patient care.