McShane slams proposed pharmacy funding cuts

INDEPENDENT Moyle councillor, Padraig McShane, has welcomed Moyle Council’s decision to write to the Health Minister, Edwin Poots, to express deep concern at the thirty percent funding cuts to the Community Pharmacy Service.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Dec 2011, 14:49 BST

Councillor McShane was speaking following a presentation by local pharmacists to Moyle District Council.

The councillor said: “Rather than a knee jerk reaction in an attempt to cut costs, Moyle Council has asked that serious consideration be given to protecting important front line services provided by local pharmacies.

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“A strategic look at reviving the Minor Ailments Scheme, generic substitution, and management of wasted medicines may result in the desired savings while improving the overall frontline service provision.

“It is unthinkable to believe that the only pharmacy in the Glens could be under threat due to the draconian measures being pursued by the Minister.

“Its isolation coupled with continued downgrading of other services is impacting directly on the life chances of the Glens population. This illogical proposal applies equally to the villages of Armoy and Bushmills. Ballycastle town could also witness a downgrading of services.”

Related topics:Edwin Poots