HSE may force drug cost cut in absence of pharma deal

The Health Service Executive may impose drug price cuts in the absence of a deal with pharmaceutical companies.

The HSE is considering its options, including invoking its legislative powers, after the State and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) failed to reach an agreement on price reductions.

“It did not prove possible in the negotiations to reach an agreement that would deliver on the State’s objectives,” a Department of Health spokesman said.