McCarthy tells Minister - Sort out pharmacy row now

11.48.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 5th Aug 2008

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has called on the Health Minister to resolve a dispute which could lead to pharmacies stopping giving advice on minor ailments as he said the row would damage the health service. Chemists have threatened to stop the vital patient advice service because they have been told they will not get paid for doing more than 1,300 consultations annually.

Opposition MLA Kieran McCarthy said: "The Minister, Michael McGimpsey, must do all he can do resolve this dispute before the boycott begins.

"The ability of pharmacists to give this advice on minor ailments takes a massive amount of pressure off GPs, clinics and hospitals. Pharmacists do an excellent job and their expertise should be used to its full potential. It would be extremely disappointing if this pay row cannot be resolved by the Minister.

"The Minister has been very quiet on this issue and he must answer many important questions regarding this problem."

ENDS