News
20th July 09
7/20/2009
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA has expressed his concern at recent adverts appearing in the local and regional newspapers seeking Northern Ireland chemists to supply patients in the Republic.
More detail needed on Republic pharmacy plan
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA has expressed his concern at recent adverts appearing in the local and regional newspapers seeking Northern Ireland chemists to supply patients in the Republic.
Mr Elliott said: "Whilst I welcome anything that continues to bring cross-border trade to my constituency, I am however concerned that there was a lack of consultation on this proposal with the Health service in Northern Ireland and availability of the required medicines could be over stretched if many chemists take up this offer.
"I believe that a dispute between some southern chemists and their Health Service has resulted in a number of them withdrawing from the State Drug Scheme, this offer is a stop-gap soloution until that issue is resolved, however the supplies of many medicines are often limited due to cost, shelf-life, storage, etc. and I would be concerned that when local people turn up for their prescription that availability cannot be guaranteed. I urge anyone applying for this scheme, and those in the southern administering to take into account local need first and foremost, and only when those are secured to consider this other option."
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