Pharmacists urged to register to vote ahead of by-elections

摘要

Ahead of November by-elections in Cork North-Central, Dublin Mid-West, Wexfordand Dublin North, the IPU has launched a campaign to encourage all 26,000 peoplesupported by the pharmacy sector to register to vote.With the future of community pharmacies under increasing pressure from risingcosts and government cutbacks, the IPU says the issues facing pharmacists must beheard by all candidates running in the upcoming by-elections.Darragh O’Loughlin, Secretary General of the IPU said, “With the Governmentdragging its feet on the reversal of FEMPI cuts and investment in pharmacy services,candidates in the upcoming by-elections must be told that the community pharmacysector is extremely exercised about using our vote. Our campaign is therefore about ensuringthat all 26,000 people supported by the sector log on to voter.ie to ensure they are registered.”‘Vote Pharmacy’ stickers will be distributed for use in pharmacy windows over the coming weeks to highlight the IPU’s campaignto allow pharmacists to do more for their communities and support Irish patients through the introduction of services such as theMinor Ailment Scheme and Chronic Disease management services. This will improve access to health care for the public and bringIreland into line with best practice internationally.