Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
572. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to outline the instructions given to the HSE concerning the level of spend on new medicines as set out in the letter of determination concerning Budget 2023, Budget 2022 and Budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51076/23]
View answerSustainable pharmaceutical expenditure is an important issue for all and is a continuing focus of my Department and the HSE. Each year, I issue a Letter of Determination to the HSE outlining my priorities and funding levels for the following year. This is the basis on which the HSE will draw up its National Service Plan (NSP) for the year.
The HSE must comply with the relevant legislation when considering investment decisions around new medicines. HSE decisions on pricing and reimbursement are made on objective scientific and economic grounds, seeking use available resources efficiently to deliver the best value possible on taxpayer-funded medicines.
The HSE undertakes commercial negotiations on behalf of the State to deliver substantial savings in the Medicines budget, thereby creating financial headroom to maximise budget utilisation.
The HSE is committing all resources to the provision of new medicines over time, notwithstanding any inter-year variations. Pharmaceutical expenditure has increased from €1.3bn in 2012 and will reach almost €3bn in 2023.
In the last three years, almost €100 million of dedicated funding has been invested by the State in new medicines funding to provide 127 new medicines or extended uses for medicines, to include 50 medicines for oncology and 39 orphan drugs for the treatment of rare diseases.
