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Irish Pharmacy Union

Last month
April 2025
'Very few pharmacists' will sign up for free HRT scheme 'because €5 dispensing fee is too little'
The Irish Pharmacy Union has asked for a €6.50 fee to be provided to make the scheme viable for pharmacists.
One pharmacist said the €5 dispensing fee that the Government has proposed is "the same fee that was introduced 17 years ago".
Another pharmacist said that if she were to sign up for the scheme, "I would have to let my staff go, and I can't do that".
She said she does not know a single pharmacist that has signed up to the scheme "because they know they can't".
New guidelines on pharmacy dispensing fees to be developed after confusion over free HRT scheme
This year
2025
Government row with pharmacy union preventing six-month prescription extensions
A row between the government and the country’s largest pharmacy union is preventing the extension of prescriptions.
'I presume this is free?' Confusion over when women will get long-awaited free HRT from pharmacies
A scheme that would see the State cover the cost of the drug was due to be rolled out in January, but it has yet to be implemented.
Pharmacists said there was “zero consultation” with the sector before the measure was announced as part of Budget 2025.
One pharmacist said the scheme is "a missed opportunity to get equality" in hormonal care for women of all ages.
Meanwhile, the clinical lead of the Rotunda's menopause clinic said supply shortages in some HRT products are currently "a much bigger issue" than cost.
Delay in rollout of free HRT scheme criticised as 'slap in the face for thousands of women'
Last year
2024
Anti-overdose drug 'should be publicly available in towns in same way as defibrillators'
'We can see this one coming': Pharmacists want govt to let them give vaccine against measles
All time
Health officials intend to allow pharmacies assess and treat patients with minor ailments
Overcomplicated: Reimbursement scheme for pregnancy drug criticised by pharmacists
Genrui antigen tests: HPRA and company to investigate after multiple reports of false positives
HSE in talks with pharmacies about distributing antigen tests to the wider public
Over 700 pharmacies will be administering Pfizer vaccines from this week
Vaccines: Pharmacists 'frustrated' with slow involvement, while NIAC Johnson & Johnson advice reported
Pharmacists call for flu vaccine to be free for everyone
Pharmacists urge people to ensure they have 'supply of essential medicines' before storm hits
'If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, you inhale a mugful of tar each year'
Cash, drugs and fake tan among the most common items stolen from pharmacies
Use antibiotics as a 'quick fix' for a cold? It won't work and could be very damaging
Pharmacies facing raids from attackers armed with knives, syringes and guns
Are you on medication? Here's why you probably shouldn't drink this Christmas
Irish pharmacists say epilepsy and pain relief drugs in short supply
Pharmacists want migraine medicine taken off prescription
Pharmacies a growing target for shoplifters and thieves
Stocks of antibiotic Augmentin could run out 'within months'
Parents urged to check children for head lice in the coming weeks
Pharmacists: New drugs list will save patients and State money
Worry online Pill prescription takes away 'face-to-face' doctor contact
Top 10 tips for healthy living during exams
Pharmacists finding it difficult to keep their 'heads above water'
One in four pharmacies in Ireland operating at a loss
Pharmacists claim new driving licence system will have 'devastating' effect
Pharmacists: Increased prescription charges may lead to people being hospitalised
Irish pharmacists call for a cut in rates to boost retail sector
Pharmacists warn lack of vital medicines may endanger patients
Pharmacists dispute health warnings over meal replacement products
Drug payment scheme threshold increase will hit families, says IPU
Over 480 patients affected by low-dosage flu vaccines
Union criticises 'flawed' newspaper report on pharmacy mark-ups
Average age of women requesting morning after pill is 23 years - survey