Following intensive negotiations involving the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), the HSE and the Department of Health, a major new deal on the cost of drugs in the State was concluded in October last. It will deliver a number of important benefits, including
- significant reductions for patients in the cost of drugs;
- a lowering of the drugs bill to the State;
- timely access for patients to new cutting-edge drugs for certain conditions; and
- reducing the cost base of the health system into the future.
The gross savings arising from this deal will be in excess of €400 million over three years. €210 million from the gross savings will make available new drugs to patients over three years. Thus, the deal will result in a net reduction in the HSE expenditure on drugs of about €190 million. The cost of new drugs in 2013 is estimated at €70 million.