Pharma

1. Introduction

On Saturday 23rd April 2005, pharmacists stepped up their campaign for rights to prescribe a limited range of medicines (in addition to the OTC medicines) in certain circumstances to patients1.

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU)’s proposal to the government in early 2005 identified a number of areas where it would like to see prescribing powers for pharmacists introduced (e.g. minor skin infections)2. Whilst there are many views to consider and some concerns to address (such as the view that pharmacists are not sufficiently trained to diagnose conditions)2, the IPU believes firmly that prescribing pharmacists in all areas of clinical practice especially in the community could contribute significantly to the health care sector in Ireland3. One example of such benefits would be easier access to certain medications (e.g. fucidic acid) for patients.

The implementation of prescribing pharmacists in Ireland would be innovative in relation to its potential effects and changes. The function of community pharmacies and the role of pharmacists would radically be transformed from the mere dispenser of POMs to the active part of health care system in Ireland.

This essay makes the case for prescribing by community pharmacists in Ireland. Particular reference is made to the health care systems in Ireland and in UK. Although it is recognised that the system in UK is different, the issues raised are of relevance to Ireland.

2. Method

Firstly, I looked up the current situation related to the prescribing pharmacists in Ireland by visiting websites of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, Irish Medicines Board and Irish Times. Then I searched about the roles of the profession of pharmacy in Ireland by looking up the above websites and also asking a pharmacist in my local area. Mr. David Jordan, a pharmacist and owner of the Jordan’s Pharmacy in Dublin, explained me...