The current opening hours of private pharmacies do not facilitate patients, says the Cyprus Patients' Association Federation, which demands, as it states in its announcement, the implementation of the institution of two-day and overnight stays, since this ensures the uninterrupted availability of medicines to patients.
On the occasion of the decisions of the extraordinary General Assembly of the Pancyprian Pharmaceutical Association, OSAK clarifies, adds, that the current opening hours of private pharmacies do not facilitate patients, while noting that it disagrees with the suspension of pharmacy operations during midday hours.
"During this specific time period, and mainly between 13:00 PM and 14:00 PM, the largest volume of discharges from hospitals is issued. This means that a very large number of patients who are discharged from hospitals must obtain the medications that their doctors prescribe before returning home," he says.
He also adds that the operation of a very small number of 24-hour pharmacies during midday hours does not make things easier for patients, on the contrary, it inconveniences them and their family members.
OSAK states that it agrees and demands the implementation of the institution of overnight and day care, since this ensures the uninterrupted availability of medicines to patients, however, it adds that it is also necessary to increase the number of pharmacies that provide overnight/day care per 24 hours.
At the same time, he emphasizes the need to extend the hours during which the overnight pharmacist is at his pharmacy.
OSAK recognizes the fact that the pharmacist is a health professional with a position of responsibility towards patients, adding that "the implementation of the General Health Insurance System, however, and the significant increase in citizens (now the entire population) served by the private sector, we believe also imposes the necessary adjustments to the mode of operation and opening hours of pharmacies."
The Federation declares itself open to dialogue, with the aim of resolving this specific issue in the best possible way.
Source: KYPE
