Madam, – The Health Service Executive (HSE) has announced the opening of a number of “contingency pharmacies” as part of its effort to replace the services of a thousand community pharmacies that will be withdrawing from government schemes from August 1st.
In order to supply medication to the public, these pharmacies must be legally registered as Retail Pharmacy Businesses under the Pharmacy Act 2007. Under that legislation, any person wishing to open a new Retail Pharmacy Business must apply to register that Retail Pharmacy Business at least 60 days before it is opened and have that application processed (including inspection) and registered in accordance with statutory rules before it may operate.
Can the HSE confirm that its contingency arrangements will be in compliance with the law of the land? – Yours, etc,