The Irish Medical Organisation has expressed concern at the proposal by Minister for Health Mary Harney to charge medical card holders 50c for every prescription item.
The IMO described the proposed move as a 'blunt instrument' to tackle the country's escalating drugs bill, which it suggested could be cut by €300m.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, IMO GP committee chairman Dr Ronan Boland said there were other ways of saving money, such as ensuring only a minimum price was paid for each drug.
On last night's The Week in Politics Mary Harney said she was currently considering proposals for the charge to medical card holders.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has defended her proposals to implement a charge on prescriptions.
Mr Cowen said the proposed fees would raise around €30m in an area which has a budget of almost €2bn.
The Taoiseach said that the Government had to deal with rising drug costs and bills and the rising number of prescriptions.
He said the number of prescriptions issued had increased by €22m since 2003, adding that a sustainable way forward needed to be found.
