Dublin – In a strategic collaboration between the Dublin government and pharmacists, a groundbreaking plan is set to roll out in September, extending the prescription period for certain medications from six months to a year. The move aims to curtail unnecessary GP visits and reduce the strain on healthcare resources.
Under the new initiative, pharmacists will have the authority to extend prescriptions for up to one year, provided they deem the patient suitable. The Department of Health, citing recommendations from a task force on expanding pharmacists’ services, highlights the potential to decrease demand on GP clinics, cut costs, and offer greater flexibility for patients.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the change, noting its success during a pilot phase amid the Covid pandemic. Acting General Secretary Derek Reilly has emphasized the need for increased funding for pharmacists to facilitate these expanded services. The move aligns with the government’s commitment to optimizing healthcare resources and enhancing patient care.
Implementation of the prescription extension is contingent on the original prescription being issued on or after March 1, 2024. Certain drugs requiring shorter durations will be excluded from the extended prescription period.