The Minister for Health and the pharmacists are once again on a “collision course” with the sick and the poor, according to Labour spokesperson for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Willie Penrose.
The Longford-Westmeath TD says it is the country’s sick and poor people who are most likely to suffer unless something is done immediately to resolve this row between pharmacists and the HSE.
“It is time for Minister Harney to knock heads together and get it sorted. As with all disputes, this one will be resolved at some stage, and it is up to Mary Harney to ensure that it is sorted before it is too late,” says Deputy Penrose.
“I would reiterate the call made some weeks ago for the Minister to invite in a mediator like Kieran Mulvey, so that some form of agreement can be reached between the parties.
“Patients around the country are worried and concerned, and services in certain areas are under particular strain. There are reports of long delays, poor service, and lack of stock. The responsibility to ensure that elderly and sick people continue to get their medication is one that must be shared between the Minister, the HSE, and the pharmacists.
“The pharmacists have already indicated a willingness to talk and it is now up to Minister Harney to get that ball rolling as a matter of extreme urgency,” he concluded.
