Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Julien Behal/PA Wire

New deal means some cheaper drugs on the way, says James Reilly

The price of off-patent medicines will be reduced under a new deal agreed between the HSE and the body representing the pharmaceutical industry.

THE PRICE OF some medicines is set to be reduced, the Minister for Health has announced.

An agreement has been struck between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and the HSE which will see the cost of some off-patent medicines cut, saving the HSE some €20 million per year.

The move will see 30 per cent cut off the price of an off-patent medicine once a generic equivalent comes on the market. Previously the cost was cut by 20 per cent under a previous deal.

The price will fall even further once the generic equivalent has been on the market for just under two years.

The move is expected to save €10 million for the remaining months of this year, and €20 million in a full year.

As part of the agreement the HSE will give its approval to the reimbursement of drugs which in the normal course of events would have been approved for reimbursement under the schemes.

Eight doctors struck off the register last year, 37 investigated >

Tánaiste seeks clemency for Bahraini medics >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Christine Bohan
View 24 comments
Close
24 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds