01/02/2010

Cost Of Medicines Falls 40%

The Irish pharmaceutical association has announced that with effect from today the cost of long established medicines will be reduced by 40%.

The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), the representative body for the international research-based pharmaceutical industry in Ireland, has launched a special website on which patients can check to see if their medicines are listed for a price reduction.

The website www.checkthelist.ieLinks carries a detailed list of all the medicines and their new, lower prices.

A low cost number, (1890) 876 700, has also been set up.

Launching the initiative, Brian Murphy, IPHA's Director of Commercial Affairs, said: "We would urge patients to check the website as those who have to pay for their medicines could save €3 - €4 on every €10 they spend. That’s a potential saving of up to €500 per year," said Mr Murphy.

The reduction in cost of nearly 300 named, familiar branded medicines is the result of an initiative by the industry to reduce costs for the State by €94m over the next 12 months.

Mr Murphy added: "We were approached by the Minister for Health and Children with a request to create immediate savings on the State bill for medicines.

"Recognising the difficult position of the Irish economy and the tough decisions facing the Irish Government our member companies were willing to play their part in helping to reduce costs and prices. This initiative will significantly reduce costs for the State, and it will also reduce prices that patients pay directly for some of their medicines."

IPHA said that its members will also pay an increased rebate to the HSE in respect of the manufacturer’s price of all other medicines dispensed under all of the community drug schemes.

(DW/BMcC)

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