WILLEMSTAD - The government requires additional time to deliberate on the increase in the prescription dispensing fee (RRV), a significant demand from pharmacies, as revealed in the summary proceedings initiated by the government against all pharmacy owners.
The Health Care Inspection issued an instruction to the pharmacies after owners took action on Wednesday by closing all branches on the island. Just fifteen minutes before the summary proceedings began on Friday, all pharmacies reopened their doors.
The court deemed the action by the Association of Pharmacy Owners an unwise move, especially since the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN) had already indicated its intention to engage in discussions with pharmacy owners regarding the RRV increase. This discussion is scheduled for Tuesday.
The judge also highlighted the complexity of potentially implementing the RRV. To ensure a smooth process, the GMN ministry requires more time. Negotiations between pharmacy owners and the government may be on the horizon.
According to the lawyers representing the government, Wednesday's action jeopardized patients by preventing them from obtaining their medications for a day.