SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
It follows the response from the Minister of Health Robin Swann to an Assembly Written Question tabled by Ms. McLaughlin which states that funding is being continued for essential activity, but that the lack of a budget is significantly impairing the ability to plan strategically.
Said the Foyle MLA said: “Community pharmacies are not a small part of our health service – they are an essential part of the system that we all rely on and they have a played a hugely important role in the last couple of years throughout the pandemic.
“Every day, they help people in Derry with queries, dispense vital medicines, rollout services and administer vaccines, including helping with the rollout of the lifesaving Covid vaccines which has allowed society to reopen.
“Of course, it is welcome news that the Department is working closely with Community Pharmacy NI to deliver a 3 year plan, but the truth is that without an Executive and agreed budget, it will be impossible to do so and I fear that this plan will be left to gather dust on a shelf.
“Community pharmacists just like many other businesses are facing extreme economic pressures and the consequences will be felt by people right across the North in their access to healthcare.
“As these pressures take hold and impact people across our city, people across Derry will be rightly frustrated by the fact that DUP MLAs are still sitting on their hands and refusing to go to work.
“We should, as political parties, be rolling up our sleeves, coming together and helping people during this time but instead one party is holding everyone else to ransom. Questions must be asked about how much longer this will be allowed to continue.
“Enough is enough,” added Ms McLaughlin
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