Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2022
290. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to increase the volume of generic medicines used to fulfil prescriptions to achieve the European Union average of 70%; the estimated savings to the annual drug bill as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35122/22]
View answerThe Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 provided for Interchangeability/Substitution, informed by the HPRA list of interchangeable products for medicines with a generic equivalent.
Under the 2013 Act, pharmacists are obliged to offer the lowest cost product on interchangeable list. The HPRA maintains a list of interchangeable products to enable substitution in this way.
Under the 2013 Act, the HSE sets a common reimbursement price for all medicines in any group of interchangeable products (internal reference pricing).
The HSE Medicines Management Programme was established in 2013 and continues to implement measures to assist prescribers in cost-effective prescribing.
Under the 2013 Act, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes, including data concerning prescribing and reimbursement; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
