Soaring cancer treatment costs puts strain on health boards
The North Western Health Board (NWHB) recorded the biggest hike, up from less than quarter of a million in 2000 to a projected spend of almost €2 million this year. A spokesperson attributed the increase to a major expansion of oncology services.
The Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA), which buys drugs for the Northern Area, East Coast Area and South Western Health Boards as well as St James, Beaumont, Tallaght and St Vincent’s Hospitals, estimates costs for 2002 at €15 million, up from €10 million in 2000.
