Generic drugs to save State €100m

UP to €100 million will be saved on Government medical costs annually following a decision to allow pharmacists prescribe cheaper over-the-counter drugs to medical card holders.

Minister of State for Health Tim O’Malley said yesterday legislation by Health Minister Mary Harney will give pharmacists the right to substitute expensive brand drugs with a cheaper generic product.

Pharmacists are obliged to dispense a branded product if it is specified in a doctor’s prescription unlike many of their European colleagues who have the discretion to dispense a generic product instead of the brand specified by a doctor.