asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the work activities and benefits to date of the cost containment unit in his Department; and if he has satisfied himself regarding the effectiveness of purchasing in the health services for medical and non-medical supplies.
Written Answers. - Health Services Cost Containment.
208.
The cost containment unit of my Department have concentrated initially on the area of the prices paid for medical and surgical consumables which account for about £125 million annually. A liaison system has been set up with health agencies to collect data on prices and to create a free flow of information. Prices information reports are circulated on a regular basis which contain information on general price levels in specific areas of health care. There is already evidence that these reports have resulted in better prices being achieved for some products. It is envisaged that the work of this unit will be further expanded into the area of information exchange on good practices and other cost containment initiatives.
I am satisfied that agencies are generally purchasing medical and non-medical supplies in an effective and efficient manner using systems of tendering and contract where appropriate and feasible.