Health Minister and Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association open discussions on framework agreements on the supply and pricing of medicines
Talks have begun between the Government and an organisation representing pharmaceutical companies over improving the accessibilty and affordability of new medicines.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced that the State and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) have opened discussions on the new framework agreements on the supply and pricing of medicines.
It is hoped that the discussions will aid the development of a new multiannual agreement which supports the financial sustainability of medicines and improves access to innovative new drugs for patients.
The 2021-2025 agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association was signed in December 2021. During this period €158 million was provided in successive budgets for new medicines. This is in addition to annual funding for medicines which has risen to more than €3 billion per year.
“This longstanding relationship has been an important one, particularly for patients in Ireland, contributing towards a sustainable supply of innovative medicines,” said Minister Carroll MacNeill.
“We remain committed to supporting timely access to new and innovative medicines. This is underpinned by the continued collaboration between the State and the pharmaceutical industry on our shared objectives of reaching decisions on applications within the context of existing legislation for the benefit of patients.”
She added: “I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry to realise our shared ambition for enhanced access and affordability of medicines in Ireland.”
The commencement of formal talks follows extensive preliminary engagement between the Department of Health, Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, the HSE and IPHA.
The State has entered into agreements with the pharmaceutical industry since the 1970s, bringing certainty and stability to the supply and pricing of medicines.
A parallel agreement with Medicines for Ireland (MFI) was also signed in 2021. The State will separately negotiate with MFI on a potential successor agreement in due course.
