Michael Healy-Rae
Question:860. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55415/23]
View answerTuesday, 12 December 2023
Questions (860)
Written answers
The Health Service Executive (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 is committed to providing access to as many medicines as possible, in as timely a fashion as possible. The HSE robustly assesses applications for pricing and reimbursement to make sure it can stretch available resources as far as possible and to deliver best value in relation to each medicine and ultimately more medicines to Irish citizens and patients.HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and/or reimbursed.
In February, I published the Mazars Review which examined the governance arrangements around the HSE’s Drug Pricing and Reimbursement Process. The Report found that the reimbursement process is operating in line with the legislation and that it is delivering results in line with international norms. I fully support the recommendations contained in the Mazars report around improving the process, increasing transparency, providing easier access, and supporting value for money.An implementation group has been established between my Department and the HSE to consider and progress the various recommendations contained in the Report. The membership of the Group includes representatives of the Drugs Group, the HSE, the NCPE, and the Department of Health. The Working Group has met frequently since its establishment, to consider the involvement of patients, industry, and clinicians, in each stage of the reimbursement process.Targeted stakeholder consultation commenced on the 31st of May and concluded on the 20th of June. The insights gained from stakeholders have been considered by the Group as it continues its work on progressing the various recommendations of the Review. The Group’s work is now nearing completion and a report on this will be submitted to me in the coming months