PSI responds to call from the Minister for Health to support enhanced price transparency in pharmacies

The PSI – the Pharmacy Regulator is the statutory body responsible for regulating pharmacists and pharmacies in the public interest.  One of the roles of the PSI is promoting professional practice by pharmacists. We do this in a variety of ways, including the issuing of statutory guidelines and sharing information for the benefit of patients and the wider health system.

The PSI considers that transparency in pricing for patients and members of the public is desirable and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their care.  We have previously published information on pricing transparency, available on this website.

We have been requested by the Minister for Health to consider the development of appropriate guidelines so that patients have an improved understanding of the fees that they pay in respect of the products they are dispensed and the services they use in pharmacies. 

We will now commence the process of developing guidelines for pharmacists and pharmacies on price transparency that will support patient empowerment, ensure that any information on pricing is factual, encourages the safe and rational use of medicines, and is in line with relevant legislation. The guidelines will undergo public consultation and will be subject to approval by the Council of the PSI.