The prices of drugs vary between countries for a number of reasons, including different prices set by manufacturers, different wholesale and pharmacy mark-ups, different dispensing fees and different rates of VAT. The size of the market can also be a factor in the prices set by manufacturers.
The State has introduced a series of reforms in recent years to reduce pharmaceutical prices and expenditure. These have resulted in reductions in the prices of thousands of medicines. Price reductions of the order of 30% per item reimbursed have been achieved between 2009 and 2013; the average cost per items reimbursed is now running at 2001/2002 levels.
The HSE price for a 200 dose 100mcg/dose Ventolin Evohaler is €3.20. The HSE price of a Salbutamol Inhaler is approx. €2.95. The Drug Tariff price under the UK's National Health Service for a 200 dose 100mcg/dose Salbutamol inhaler is £1.50. Ventolin Evohaler itself is not listed in the Drug Tariff.
The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, which came into operation on the 24th of June, introduces a system of price setting for items on the reimbursement list. This legislation will promote price competition among suppliers and ensure that lower prices are paid for these medicines resulting in further savings for both taxpayers and patients. Section 18(4) of the Act provides for the review, by the HSE, of all items on the reimbursement list.
