The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has launched an investigation into Ireland’s retail pharmacy market, it announced today.
The watchdog said it launched the market study after identifying “areas of the retail market that merit closer examination, based on consumer complaints, preliminary research and market developments”.
Read more: Over 90% of Irish pharmacies saw operating costs rise over last year
The study will “focus on how the market is working for consumers” and examine “the consumer experience when purchasing products and services from retail pharmacies”, as well as “how retail pharmacies compete to win consumers”.
It will also look at the “supply of prescription and over-the-counter products to end consumers” - and may consider services provided by pharmacies, such as consultations and vaccinations, “depending on the information received”.
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The CCPC said it is looking to understand price transparency and consumer switching, regulatory frameworks and competition and market developments.
The investigation will allow the watchdog to “make recommendations about ways to improve competition and consumer outcomes”, it added.
“Important role”
CPPC commission member Geoffrey Gray said “retail pharmacies play an important role in supplying consumers with essential medicines and services, so it’s vital that the market is working and delivering for consumers”.
“That’s why we want to hear from consumers, pharmacy owners, pharmacists, public bodies, regulators, representative groups and others with views and experiences of this market,” he added.
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It comes after a survey by the Irish Pharmacy Union this week revealed that over 90% of Ireland’s pharmacies saw operating costs rise in the last year.
And it follows the Irish government announcing tax relief for some pharmacy services in March.
