State’s drugs bill set to increase by €1.3bn in decade

A POSSIBLE prescription charge would recoup just a fraction of an estimated €1.3 billion hike in the state’s drugs bill over the next decade due to dramatic increases in medication reliance.

Research predicts that up to 110 million items will be prescribed per year under the three community drugs schemes by 2021 – compared to 60m items expected to be dispensed next year.

Health Minister Mary Harney has proposed charging medical card holders €0.50 for every item dispensed to combat over-prescribing. If introduced, it would generate €30m next year and up to €55m in 2021.