asked the Minister for Health if plans have been prepared for the bulk purchasing of medicines and drugs for distribution through retail chemists with a view to effecting a reduction in the price of such commodities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bulk Purchasing of Medicines.
17.
Plans on the lines envisaged by the Deputy have not been prepared. Special arrangements for the purchase of drugs and medicines by health boards will, however, come into operation on 1st July next. For most medical supplies the contract system of purchasing will be dropped and my Department have negotiated favourable terms with the drug manufacturing industry for an alternative arrangement under which health boards will get discounts graduated according to the value of their orders.
When the proposed choice of doctor scheme is introduced, persons eligible for free general medical services will have their medicines supplied through retail chemists. Discussions between the retail chemists and my Department on the arrangements for working this aspect of the scheme are proceeding.