Low consumption of medicines ‘could lead to health problems’

IRELAND’S low-level usage of medicines could store up major health problems in the future, according to the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association.

The newly-appointed president of the IPHA, Conn Clissmann, said Irish consumption of medicines remained low by international standards, despite the ever-increasing sums being invested to improve public health.

“As a nation, Irish consumers spend nearly a third less than the European average on medicines. In fact, we spend more on individual purchases such as hair treatment, cosmetics, petrol, newspapers and bus fares per week than on prescription and other medicines,” Mr Clissmann said.