Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
539. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the way capacity challenges at the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics can be addressed to avoid significant delays in the evaluation process of oncology medicines in Ireland through the reimbursement pathway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12596/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) was established in 1998. Its remit is to advise the HSE and the Department of Health in relation to the cost-effectiveness of medicines, through the carrying out of health technology assessments (HTAs).
The NCPE's workload has increased significantly in recent years, from fewer than 10 assessments per year in 2007 to 98 assessments in 2021. In addition, the complexity of individual assessments has increased.
Following an independent review of the NCPE's work in 2017, an additional €750,000 was allocated by the Minister for Health in 2018 to support the working of the NCPE, increasing its staffing from 10.5 to 20.5 WTEs.
The NCPE advises that cancer drugs account for 33% of the NCPE's rapid reviews and 50% of full Health Technology Assessments (HTAs). The average timelines for these are approximately 4 to 6 weeks for a rapid review and 158 days for full HTAs. Given the complexities involved in such assessments, these timelines can be considered within expectations.
As outlined in the IPHA agreement, and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving an application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to either add the medicine to the reimbursement list or agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine, or refuse to reimburse the medicine.
