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Over 140 pharmacies are pulling out of the HSE's methadone protocol from today.
The Health Service Executive says up to 3,000 former heroin users who receive a methadone substitute from their pharmacy are to be affected.
The action, by a significant number of independent pharmacists, is the result of an ongoing row between pharmacists and the HSE over the executive's plan to cut the wholesale price of medicine.
The HSE says the new arrangements will slash an estimated €100m off the State's drugs bill next year, but pharmacists say it will result in them having to dispense medicine to public patients at a loss and put their businesses at risk.
As a result of the pharmacists' action, former heroin users who had been receiving methadone from a chemist are being told to attend a drugs clinic instead.
The HSE says all clients affected have been contacted and emergency methadone services are being provided at 11 sites.
Information about the contingency arrangements is available on the HSE's Drug Helpline (1800 459 459).
The action is mainly confined to Dublin but the HSE says it is monitoring the situation nationwide.
15-10-2007, 12:52
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