An emergency meeting of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) is taking place today over a controversial cost-cutting plan amid fears of widespread disruption to services.
Approximately 1,000 pharmacists are attending the talks in Dublin over the Health Service Executive's initiative to save €100 million a year by reducing payments.
The IPU claims the move will result in 300 outlets going out of business and reduce the level of service to patients.
Many chemists are closed for the day but some medicines will be available in emergencies. The IPU, which represents around 1,600 pharmacists, has accused the HSE of abusing its position by trying to push through changes to the community drugs scheme without agreement.
The HSE claims it will save €100 million a year if it reduces the wholesale price of drugs paid to pharmacies from 18 per cent to 7 per cent.
An independent body, chaired by former IDA Ireland boss Sean Dorgan, was set up by Minister for Health Mary Harney over a week ago to examine the dispute.
The pharmacists' meeting is expected to last until 4pm.