FROM DECEMBER, PHARMACIES will have to clearly display the cost of all professional services.

And from next year, patients will receive a detailed receipt for any transaction outlining the costs of the medicine dispensing fee and the cost of any other professional service. 

The new guidance has been developed by the pharmacy regulator, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).

It assists pharmacists in providing clear and accessible pricing information to the public. 

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill welcomed the new guidance for providing transparency in medicine pricing and fees for pharmacy services. 

Carroll MacNeill remarked that community pharmacies are “among the most trusted and accessible healthcare professionals”.

She said this guidance will “strengthen that trust even further, with access to information about the cost of services pharmacists deliver being made available to the public for the first time”.

“I am grateful to the PSI for developing this guidance,” said Carroll MacNeill, “as I believe patients need visibility of the fees they are paying for dispensing services when purchasing their prescription medicines.”

She added that this move “will help people better understand exactly what they’re paying for their medication and associated services”.

From 1 December, pharmacies will have to display information about the cost of all professional services on a clear notice in a “conspicuous location that is visible to patients”.

And from next year, patients will receive a detailed receipt for any transaction with the costs of the medicine dispensing fee (where applicable) and the cost of any other professional service. 

PSI registrar, Joanne Kissane remarked that the organisation is “committed to assuring safe, high-quality pharmacy services are available to patients and the public”.

She added that “access to pricing information is essential to empower individuals to make informed healthcare decisions”.

“While we do not determine the prices charged by pharmacies, patients have a right to transparent and accurate information on the price of the medicines and health services they access.”

“Transparency of fees and pricing maintains and enhances public confidence in pharmacists and enables patients to make informed decisions about their health and treatment. The new guidance will provide patients with an improved understanding of the fees they pay for the products and services they use in pharmacies.”