McKay warns of threat to pharmacy services

Mr McKay said that whilst it was recognised that savings have to be made, there are clearly other options to be looked at that do not affect this ‘frontline service’

Mr McKay said “There is no doubt that these cuts will have a disproportionate impact on rural people and I know of a number of pharmacy services which are at the very heart of these communities. The potential loss of such a service will have a devastating effect in these areas.

“Over recent months Sinn Féin has met with a number of parties and groups and is actively trying to find a resolution to this matter.

“One of the suggestions we are putting forward is that the Minister look at other methods of saving money such as the prescription of generic drugs instead of brand names.

“Cutbacks to our community pharmacies will have an immediate impact on the sick, older people and the most vulnerable within our community. It is vitally important that we continue to support our local pharmacies and that is something that Sinn Féin at both a council and Assembly level in this area will continue to do.”