asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the possibility of the bulk purchasing of medical drugs by a central agency with a view to reducing their cost to purchasers but maintaining distribution through the usual retail outlets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Purchases.
18.
While the bulk purchase of drugs seems to be an attractive proposition it is not at all clear that it would reduce the cost of drugs appreciably, especially if as the Deputy suggests, they would still be dispensed through retail pharmacies.
Bulk purchase of drugs by health boards for distribution through retail pharmacies was considered prior to the reorganisation of the general medical service but it was decided that the balance of advantage lay in using the existing distribution system.
Are increases in the prices of all drugs subject to the control of the National Prices Commission?
They are.