Pharmacies want new powers, to help with health service overload

Pharmacies want to be able to perform tests to screen for infections, and act as a form of 1st stop triage before people go to hospitals. This way, the sector’s national association argues, pharmacies will be able to play a role in relieving pressure from hospitals and health centres. Say reports, the suggestion has been put to health minister Manuel Pizarro. The ball is now in his court.