Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
616. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the role of the HSE corporate pharmaceutical unit and the National Centre for Pharmaeconomics; the number of whole-time equivalent staff assigned to the unit and centre respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35337/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) was established in 1998 and 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).
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the NCPE. The NCPE conducts HTAs for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions.
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 HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit (CPU) is the interface between the HSE and the Pharmaceutical Industry in relation to medicine pricing and reimbursement applications.
The HSE CPU is currently staffed by 12 WTEs.
