A record almost €3 billion, nearly €1 in every 8 spent by the State on health, will be spent this year on medicines. This is an unprecedented level of investment in supporting patients through the availability of the latest and wide range of medicines.
It is important that medicines expenditure is sustainable for the State and that we strive to maximise the available investment. This will enable us to provide as many people as possible with access to the necessary medicines.
Over the last 3 years the State has invested €98 million in new medicines funding to provide 127 new medicines or extended uses for medicines.
Going into 2024, I will ensure that my Department, the HSE and all relevant agencies and stakeholders place a priority focus on achieving the most efficient and effective use of available resources. This will require opportunities for savings to be identified and implemented. While dedicated funding for new medicines has not been allocated in Budget 2024, this does not mean that no new medicines will be approved for reimbursement in 2024. Any savings generated from identified initiatives will be immediately reinvested into new medicines for 2024.
I will shortly be issuing a Letter of Determination to the HSE outlining my priorities and funding levels for 2024. This will be the basis on which the HSE will draw up its National Service Plan (NSP) for 2024.
