Máirín Quill
Ceist:17 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health his views on a claim by a person (details supplied) that the country is reaching a stage where it will be unable to afford to pay for some forms of drug treatment.
Written Answers. - Cost of Drugs.
The continuing increase in the cost of drugs is a matter of concern to all developed countries.
It is in this context that discussions on the potential for improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of prescribing took place with the Irish Medical Organisation in the course of the recent GMS review. It was acknowledged in these discussions that cost efficiencies could be identified which would assist in reducing the cost of prescribed medicines without adversely affecting the quality of care for individual patients.
I am very pleased therefore that the Irish Medical Organisation is fully supportive of the drugs strategy currently being implemented.