Pharmacists concerned by GP plans to dispense medicine

Pharmacists have expressed concern over plans by a GP organisation for doctors to dispense medicines directly to patients.

However, the Department of Health says there is no impediment to GPs dispensing medicines, provided they are properly registered and adhere to ethical guidelines.

The National Association of GPs says it plans to carry out a study into the feasibility of members prescribing commonly-used medicines, such as antibiotics, and blood pressure and cholesterol drugs, to patients.

The move could raise significant income for GPs at a time when their earnings are under pressure, but would create friction with pharmacists. Some €2.7 billion is spent on medicines in pharmacies each year.

The Irish Pharmacy Union says GP prescribing could lead to an increase in prescribing errors and leave patients open to being ripped-off by doctors seeking to maximise their profit.

“For GPs to prescribe and also dispense medicines to patients for profit would create a serious conflict of interest by introducing a financial incentive to increase prescriptions to patients.”

“Patients would legitimately fear that where their GP was profiting directly from the choice of medicine prescribed, their treatment may be influenced by the profit motive. This is not in the interests of the patient or of the healthcare system which must ultimately cover the cost.”

The Department says GPs are private practitioners and points out they already charge for carrying out health checks and blood tests in their surgeries.

They must be registered by the Medical Council and they must adhere to its guide on professional conduct and ethics, according to a spokeswoman. This requires GPs to charge appropriate fees and to tell patients in advance of the likely costs of treatment.

The dispensing of medicines by doctors is covered by the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003. Regulation 20 (3) says doctors and dentists may supply prescription and non-prescription medicinal products to their patients in the course of their professional practice.

Traditionally, some rural GPs have had agreements with the HSE to dispense drugs in small quantities to patients.