Demand for blister pack charge review

A local TD is calling on the Government to fund blister packs under the Community Pharmacy Agreement.

Sinn Féin’s Cathy Bennett warns that, from January 1, vulnerable patients will be hit with additional charges of up to €50 per month for blister packs to help manage their medicines.

Cathy Bennett 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.

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 Cathy Bennett 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,” the local TD said. “They are a basic safety measure that helps people manage multiple medications correctly.

“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 Cavan-Monaghan TD is 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,” Deputy Bennett said.