'Strike' threat as pharmacies face costs hike

DESPERATE pharmacists are threatening to withhold services in a move that could cripple the health sector.

- JONATHAN WALKER

They are locked in a battle with the government over tax rises and a funding system which means they can make a loss on many prescriptions.

The war in Iran has put them under even more pressure, by driving up the costs of medicines such as painkillers.

Options include suspending cooperation with the Pharmacy First service, which aims to reduce pressure on GPs by allowing patients to get certain prescription medications directly from a pharmacy without seeing a doctor.

It means the Department of Health faces the prospect of a new battle at the same time as resident doctors restart their strike action.