There are over 1,500 community pharmacies in Ireland, and most people visit their pharmacy several times a year, if not more. A pharmacy is oftne the first place you visit when you feel unwell and provides a wide range of advices and treatment services.
Your pharmacist is a healthcare professional who can assist you with your health concerns quickly. They can offer you information about treatments, explanations on medication interactions and much more. They will also guide you to other health professionals or community services, if you need them.
In Ireland, there are a range of schemes in place to assist people with the cost of their medication. Pharmacist can advise you on how these schemes work and you can read more about them here, and also find out how to apply.
Medical Cards: Provides a range of medications and other products free of charge to people below a certain income, or with other eligibility
Drugs Payment Scheme: Prescription costs over €124 per month, per family are paid for by the HSE through this scheme
Long Term Illness Scheme: Provides medication and other aids for people with specific conditions
The role of the pharmacist has grown over the past two years with pharmacists now providing Emergency Contraception without a prescription and also providing the flu vaccine.
