Laws to limit influence of vested interests in drug supply

THE Government is to introduce laws to stop vested interests like drug companies and hospital doctors dictating what kind of drugs are prescribed, Junior Health Minister Tim O’Malley confirmed yesterday.

Mr O’Malley said he has received reports of hospital doctors prescribing very expensive new drugs instead of tried and tested drugs that would be far less expensive.

“There is also strong anecdotal evidence of dominant consultants or hospital doctors prescribing very expensive drugs that are not necessary and some drug companies are having inappropriate influence,” Mr O’Malley said.