More focus on generic medicines will save HSE cash, says industry report

• Published date: 12 April 2024
• Author: DOMINIC COYLE
• Publication title: Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland)

Ireland’s health system is wasting money on medicines by hindering access to generic drugs, according to an industry group

Medicines for Ireland says health policy decision-makers need to recognise how “increased penetration of generic, biosimilar, and value-added medicines offers significant savings to the State” as well as a chance to treat more patients earlier when they are ill.

“This year, the Department of Health has projected that almost €3 billion will be spent on medicines, representing nearly €1 in every €8 spent by the State on healthcare,” said Paul Neill, chairman of the group which represents the interests of generic drug producers in Ireland.

‘Formidable challenges’

“It’s well documented how Ireland’s healthcare system is facing formidable challenges underscoring the urgent need for reform to ensure affordability, efficiency and sustainability for patients and the State,” he said.

“In the context of these challenges, the significance of a resilient and sustainable generic, biosimilar and value-added medicines industry cannot be overstated.”

His comments came as the group unveiled a new five-year strategic plan for the sector.

Currently, generics account for 58 per cent of all prescribed medicines in Ireland, according to the industry, that it says is well behind the European average of 70 per cent.

Mr Neill said several factors contributed to Ireland’s “lag” in the area. These include the low price at which generics are permitted to enter the Irish market in competition with branded products which have lost...