Is the pharmacy scheme still alive?

I am somewhat intrigued as to what has happened to all the pre-election promises of Pharmacy of your Choice.

The scheme seems to have died a natural death! Is it fair to say that we were mislead by being told that everything was in hand for a smooth transition before the end of last year?

Complying with this I too have been to my local chemist and completed the relevant forms months ago.

Speaking to both pharmacists and doctors, the only way they can describe what is happening is as a shambles. It has also been intimated that the minister himself is not that keen on it now. Where does that leave those of us still waiting? It would be of great benefit if a statement were issued so we, the public, could know what is happening.

A second issue is the fact that over the last six months there has been a big shortage of tablets Amlodipine to an extent that there do not seem to be any available at health centres to those of us who still depend for their prescriptions from such venues. I wonder what steps have been taken to rectify this shortage, if any.

Finally, I wonder if those employed to discharge the prescriptions at local health centres have been kept abreast as to what is going to happen to them when, if ever, the scheme finally comes to fruition. It is sad to report that most of them seem very negative and just seem to shrug their shoulders when the subject is raised.