Pharmacists in Iceland are strongly opposed to proposed changes in health insurance laws that could increase their personal liability, and they are preparing to take action if these changes are enacted.
Pharmacists in Iceland are expressing significant dissatisfaction with upcoming changes to the laws governing health insurance, particularly concerning proposed amendments that would shift substantial responsibility onto them. According to pharmacists, the proposed Article 24 in a new bill being considered by parliament could impose unreasonable personal liability for prescription errors, which they view as unacceptable. Sigurbjörg Sæunn, a spokesperson for the pharmacists, has stated that if the amendments are passed without changes, many pharmacists may refuse to dispense certain medications as a form of protest.
The Icelandic Pharmacists' Association has recently issued a call to its members, urging them to prepare for potential action should the changes pass as they currently stand. The changes appear aimed at combating prescription drug abuse and black market activities, but the pharmacists argue that these adjustments may unfairly penalize them while not sufficiently addressing the root issues of misuse and black-market trading.
As the legislative process unfolds, the pharmacists are rallying support to safeguard their professional standards and responsibilities. Their resolve indicates a growing concern within the healthcare sector regarding legislative measures that may undermine professional accountability while trying to address complex issues like drug abuse, suggesting the potential for significant unrest within the profession if resolution is not reached.
