Pharmacists warn of closures danger

KILDARE GENERAL 28 February 2003: Pharmacists in Kildare were among the attendance at a special meeting of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union this week where they heard warnings that some pharmacies may be forced to close their doors if the Government implements the recommendations of a Review Group which has been asked to report on the future regulation of the sector.

Pictured above at the 2003 Eastern AGM of the IPU held in the Moran's Red Cow Inn, Dublin, are Mary Doyle from Athy, with Brendan Glennon and Ronan Brett from Newbridge, and Richard Collis, President of the IPU.

Over 60 pharmacists from the East region attended the meeting, at which the IPU argued that if the recommendations of the Review Group, which have been leaked to the media, are accepted by Government, Ireland will be left as the most unregulated pharmacy market in Europe. Foreign companies will be free to buy up to 8% of pharmacies in each health board area.

"This will directly threaten the viability of many existing pharmacies and lead to a clustering of pharmacies in urban areas at the expense of rural areas," Richard Collissaid, adding that six companies could quickly control 50% of pharmacies in the Eastern health board area.

Also pictured are David and Patricia Gildea from Gildea's Pharmacy, Kilcock.

Story by Brian Byrne

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