Sinn Féin TD for Meath West, Johnny Guirke, has slammed the government’s failure to fund blister packs under the Community Pharmacy Agreement, warning that from 1st January next year vulnerable patients will be hit with additional charges of up to €50 per month for blister packs to help manage their medicines. Deputy Guirke said the cruel decision will hit vulnerable and older people, those with disabilities and patients on complex medication regimes hardest; and risks avoidable medication errors, illness and hospital admissions.
He added that this move is particularly unfair in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis when people are already pushed to the pin of their collar with rising prices. Teachta Guirke said: “It is simply wrong that vulnerable patients will no longer receive tablet blister packs free of charge, as they have for decades. This cruel move by the government is unfair and must be stopped. Blister packs are not a luxury or an optional extra. They are a basic safety measure that helps people manage multiple medications correctly.
SAFETY Of OUR ELDERS
“For many older people and those living with long-term conditions, blister packs are the difference between taking medicines safely and risking missed doses, double dosing, or dangerous confusion. The government had an opportunity to include blister packs in the Community Pharmacy Agreement and fund them properly. Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson David Cullinane raised concerns at the time, but his concerns fell on deaf ears.
“Instead, the government has decided to leave this vital service outside the agreement, meaning people who need it most are now facing new charges. This is a bad decision for the government to make at any time. But to make this choice during a cost-of-living crisis, when every euro is precious to people, is cruel. We’re talking about tens of thousands of people living with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s now facing additional charges of up to €50 per month for these packs.
“It’s like this government is determined to make life harder for people. Hiking up student fees, the local property tax, the cost of petrol and diesel, allowing big energy companies to jack up electricity and gas bills – and now hitting the most vulnerable and elderly people with this blow. The health evidence is clear, good medicines management keeps people well, reduces complications and prevents avoidable hospital admissions. Asking patients to pay for this support is short-sighted and unfair.
“I am calling on the Minister for Health to urgently re-engage with pharmacists and ensure blister packs are funded and provided free of charge for older people and at-risk groups. No one should be priced out of safe medication management. The government must step in and do the right thing.”
