There is a blister pack service available in most pharmacies

A Government TD from Kerry has urged the Minister for Health to overturn the highly contentious decision that would result in patients having to pay to have their medicines presented in handy blister packs.

Deputy Michael Cahill has called on Minster Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to put the wheels in motion to deliver this excellent service free of charge to patients, especially older citizens.

“There can be dangerous outcomes for people taking numerous medications daily and their carers because of the confusion that can arise between the different tablets, the numbers prescribed and the of the day they should be taken.

“Older people are more vulnerable than most to this,” said Deputy Cahill who is the Fianna Fáil spokesman issues concerning on Older People.

He wants the HSE and the Department for Health to liaise with pharmacists to put a system in place where the elderly can avail of the service at no charge.

Deputy Michael Cahill: contacted by several people
Minster Jennifer Carroll MacNeill: Asked to interven

“People of any age can be confused by the sheer numbers of pills prescribed and there is a severe danger of harm if somebody forgets to take their medication or takes too many.

“There is a blister pack service available in most pharmacies where the medications are issued in separate daily doses as prescribed, making it easier to keep track of what has or has not been taken,” stated Deputy Cahill.

He acknowledged that some pharmacies need to charge for the service as not all are equipped with automated prescribing systems but, he said, it would be a shame if every older patient could not avail of it due to the cost.

“I have been contacted by constituents from all corners of the county regarding this matter. Many have confirmed to both my secretary and I that they are now being charged €30 per month for this service and this is to increase to €50 per month in many pharmacies from January,” Deputy Cahill said.

He added that he would be making contact with Minister Carroll MacNeill on the matter to seek a fair solution.

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