Fiona O'Malley
Ceist:457 Ms F. O'Malley asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress being made in the implementation of greater use of generic drugs within the health system, in line with Government policy. [31140/03]
Written Answers. - Generic Drugs.
A common list of reimbursable medicines was introduced for the general medical services scheme and the drugs payment scheme in 1999. This common list is subject to monthly review and amendment as new products become available and deletions are notified. Many of these new drug treatments are far more expensive than existing treatments, and are patent protected so that generic substitution is not possible. One fifth of reimbursable drugs in Ireland have generic substitutes available in this market. The supply of generic drugs in Ireland is limited by the relatively small size of the Irish drug market.
A study of prescribing in 2001 carried out for the Department by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics showed that generic substitution is possible for approximately 18% of items under the drugs payment scheme, that are not already generically prescribed. My Department, together with the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics and the GMS payments board is examining the steps, which might be taken, and the actions required, to increase the use of generic products in the community drug schemes.
Questions Nos. 458 and 459 answered with Question No. 423.