Mrs Cameron said the DUP had warned the Department last year, that a failure to reach agreement with the Community Pharmacy sector, would negatively impact patients across Northern Ireland.
Pam is Chair of the Assembly All Party Group on Community Pharmacy and she said,
“Last year, the Community Pharmacy sector gave notice to the Department of Health that they would be forced to withdraw the valuable medicine tray filling service for new patients as a result of underfunding.
We warned of the impact this would have on patients, particularly many vulnerable individuals, coming onto the system if a resolution was not found.
It is hugely disappointing that three months later, no substantial progress has been made by the Department in having this vital service properly commissioned and appropriately funded.
32,000 people in Northern Ireland currently benefit from this service and it must be protected and enhanced.
The knock-on effect this will have on other areas of our health system is deeply concerning. The Department of Health has had more than enough time to find a resolution, the current situation cannot continue to drag on any longer. The Minister must step up to the mark on this issue.
The Community Pharmacy sector plays a leading role on the frontline of patient care and in relieving pressures in other areas of our health service.
Under the DUP’s plan to fix our health service, we want to ensure the sector is being properly commissioned and appropriately funded.
I urge the Health Minister to find a resolution immediately and to protect patients, by providing our Community Pharmacy sector with the support it deserves.”