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Breaking stories
Doctors told to prescribe cheaper medication
By Conall Ó Fátharta
Health Minister James Reilly has confirmed that all doctors employed by the State are being asked to move to prescribing generic drugs instead of brand drugs in the national interest.
Dr Reilly said all doctors are being written to by the HSE with a request they provide the necessary treatments in a more cost-effective way.The HSE will also write to all community pharmacists.
According to the Department of Health, the move could save over €50m.
The initiative was one of a wide range of measures reviewed at a meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on health last week as ministers considered the €280m overrun in the HSE.
The announcement also comes ahead of the launch of legislation related to generic drugs which will allow pharmacists to replace prescribed brand drugs with a generic drug of lower cost but equal efficacy.
Up to now, pharmacists were not legally allowed to provide medication other than the brand prescribed.
The sub-committee was also advised that the HSE will soon provide implementation reports on moves to make savings across headings including sick leave, overtime, agency staff costs, and costs associated with medical cards.
“Sick leave costs the HSE €280m a year, agency staff a further €250m, and overtime €240m. It is therefore clear that we have the capacity to make major savings without hitting services,” said Dr Reilly.