Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
464. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the amount the Government spent on new medicines in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023; and the projected spend on new medicines in 2024, if the current spending is cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43483/23]
View answerThe State is committed to providing timely access to new and innovative medicines to all patients. €50 million in funding was allocated for the approval of new medicines in Budget 2021, €30m in 2022, and a further €18 million in Budget 2023 which will provide access to new innovative medicines for patients.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The HSE in its decision making considers the 5 year budget impact of each new medicine notwithstanding that the budget of the HSE is set on an annual basis. The year 1 costs of most medicines represent a fraction of the overall costs of those medicines when fully introduced.
The HSE has confirmed that:
In 2021, 29 new medicines and 21 new uses of existing medicines and 2 expansions of reimbursement were approved at an additional cost of €477m over the first 5 years of those decisions. The cost of these medicines in 2021 was €34.39 million.
In 2022, 30 new medicines and 30 new uses of existing medicines were approved at an additional cost of €178m over the first 5 years. The cost of these medicines in 2022 was €9.36 million.
As 2023 has not yet concluded, a figure for the amount spent on new medicines in 2023 cannot be provided at this time.
Pending the outcome of the budgetary process, it is not possible to state the level of funding for new medicines in 2024. Any health measures introduced will be in the context of the implementation of the health commitments in the Programme for Government and the funding available to progress healthcare priorities.
