PHARMACIES PATIENT RISK

Chemists warn of drug shortages and red tape

- BY SOPHIE HUSKISSON

PATIENTS are being put at risk by medicine shortages and strict rules on prescriptions, chemists' leaders will warn today.

They said sick people are frequently being turned away without drugs.

Chemists also report at least once a day they are unable to dispense prescriptions, the National Pharmacy Association said.

They want the government to grant greater flexibility for pharmacists to substitute medication safely.