A Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan, has slammed the government's failure to fund blister packs under the Community Pharmacy Agreement.
Deputy Cathy Bennett has warned that from 1st January next year vulnerable patients will be hit with additional charges of up to 50 euro per month for blister packs to help manage their medicines.
The local TD described the decision as "cruel" and warned that it will hit vulnerable and older people, those with disabilities and patients on complex medication regimes hardest.
She 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.
Deputy Bennett has called 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.
Speaking to Northern Sound, she says no one should be priced out of safe medication management.
Deputy Bennett continued: "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.
"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."
