Pharmacists to prescribe prescription-only medications for common conditions

IMOs concern over pharmacist prescribing (and also medicines changing from prescription to pharmacy only) is losing the quick and easy private visits; always has been, always will be.

Non-revenue generating? It mentioned on the news last night that pharmacists will be able to set the consultation fees for this service - they won't be doing it for free.

As opposed to the daily load on the GPs instead? How is that working out, appointments time wise?

Your concern for the millionaire pharmacists is touching

They've only themselves to blame.

They've known for years that there was going to be a major shortage of GP's and did absolutely nothing meaningful about it.

It's hard to get a GP now, there are no more walk in GP's, you could be waiting a week to see one in some places which is ridiculous.

That in turn is the reason it's €80 to see a GP in some places.

You're looking at the guts of 10 Years to become a GP, That was grand in the 80's when things were slow moving and becoming a GP was vocational and a family tradition/business. But in todays fast moving world that setup is a relic.

Allowing a pharmacist to prescribe medication probably isn't great, but what else can they do?

Seems like a good idea. It always looked to me like pharmacists are over qualified for the job they currently do.

If it is an elephant in the room, it doesn't need this initiative for it to be addressed.

So I do think it is "excessive" to shoot down this initiative across the board because of it.

It is an opt-in initiative, and pharmacists can for example setup an appointment system to manage such scenarios, only have so many slots per day.

Counting pills out like penny sweets is not all they do. An elderly relative of mine is trying their best to get Ibuprofen but the pharmacist refuses to supply it because there are restrictions on this product due to age and possibly other medication they are taking. Thank goodness the pharmacist knows how to do more than just count pills.

I don't see the need to get a renewal every 6 months either. I don't even see the Dr the receptionist just e mails the chemist across the road. €20 to send an e mail.

Nurofen Plus, or normal ibuprofen?

The former has specific restrictions on what it can be sold for and how often.

They do for things within their scope: I've had antibiotics from one for a tooth infection.

Not in the Republic you can't.

My mistake so.