I HAVE good reason to be interested in the proposed 50 cent prescription levy. As a regular user of prescribed blood pressure medication, let me offer a few price comparisons.
While on holiday in Sweden this past summer I had to purchase my medicines. Imagine my surprise when I worked out the cost against the price at home. Sweden was 66% cheaper.
I recently purchased my medicines in Belfast while on a shopping trip for £36.50 (€40.87) compared to €85.40 in the Republic.
It is not just generic medicines available here that are the most expensive in Europe – so are patent-protected medicines.
I suggest an investigation be carried out to compare prices throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain in OECD countries.
Joe McCabe Woodland Drive Collegewood Ballyellis Mallow Co Cork
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Friday, November 20, 2009
