9 Oct 2015, 12:32
The Joint Committee on Health and Children has published its Report on the Cost of Prescription Drugs in Ireland.
9th October 2015
The report makes a number of important recommendations that are intended to reduce the long-term cost of pharmaceutical drugs, and increase the use of generic drugs in Ireland.
This is timely, given that the 2012 – 2015 agreement between the HSE and pharmaceutical companies is due for renewal.
The Committee will present the Report to Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, when he appears before the Health Committee, tomorrow.
Some of the Report’s main conclusions and recommendations include:
• The Committee recommends expanding the basket of countries used to set drug prices from 9 to 15, to ensure lower-price countries are included
• Baseline price comparisons with other EU member states should be published annually
• Changes to the drug pricing model should be published as part of any new Agreement.
• The HSE and the Department of Health need to continue to closely monitor the impact of national drug price policy on the drug supply;
• Community Pharmacists can play a greater role in prescribing in the future. This can reduce medical costs and increase the use of generics
• Develop an awareness campaign to actively promote the use of generic medicines;
• Develop a standard template to display dispensing fees and mark-up fees in pharmacies;
Committee Chair, Jerry Buttimer TD says: “In 2014, €1.8bn was spent on drug treatment alone, accounting for 14.5% of the total health budget. Drug prices in Ireland have been higher than elsewhere in Europe.
“In presenting this Report to the Minister for Health for his consideration, the Joint Committee believes there is an opportunity to further reduce the cost of pharmaceutical drugs in Ireland. In making these recommendations the Joint Committee hopes to contribute towards alleviating the financial strain on the consumer.”
“Price differences between brand-name medications and generic medications can be substantial. Their widespread use can be effective at helping to reduce the often exorbitant prices of brand-name drugs. Our Committee believes that a campaign should be launched by the HSE promoting greater use of generics and emphasising their efficacy.”
“The Committee would like to extend its thanks to everyone who contributed towards this Report. We believe that it offers practical solutions to reduce prescription drug prices and we hope that the Minister for Health and Children will consider this Report carefully.”
Access the Report here.
ENDS
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Committee Membership
Chairman: Jerry Buttimer
Deputies
Catherine Byrne, Ciara Conway (Vice-Chair), Regina Doherty, Peter M Fitzpatrick, Seamus Healy, Billy Kelleher, Eamonn Maloney, Clare Daly, Sandra McLellan, Joe Costello, Dan Neville, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Robert Troy
Senators
Colm Burke, Thomas Byrne, John Crown, John Gilroy, Imelda Henry and Jillian Van Turnhout