Michael Creed
Ceist:63 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent report indicating unfamiliarity with common generic drugs among doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Generic Drugs.
I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy which related to the unfamiliarity among doctors of a range of commonly prescribed drugs both proprietary and generic. In the light of this report, I am arranging to have the matter raised with the professional bodies concerned as well as the National Therapeutics Advisory Committee.
In order to increase the level of knowledge of generic drugs among both hospital doctors and general practitioners, the National Drugs Formulary, which was introduced last year, and was circulated to all GP's and hospital doctors, listed all the drugs included in the formulary by their generic name.
The National Therapeutics Advisory Committee who were established late last year will also be looking at the area of generic prescribing and will advise on how best to promote the use of generic prescribing in both hospitals and in general practice. The Interdepartmental Drugs Group who were established last year, and are comprised of representatives of the Departments of Health, Finance, Industry and Commerce and the office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, is due to report to me shortly. This group have examined the cost of prescription medicines to the Exchequer, and in particular the area of generic prescribing and will be making recommendations on the use of generic drugs.