Report shows high cost of medicines

Medicines in Ireland cost more than in most other EU countries, according to a report commissioned by the Government-appointed Pharmacy Review Group.

The report looked at the cost of three products and found that Ireland is the second most expensive country for Augmentin antibiotics and for band aids and the eighth most expensive country for cough medicine.

It also found that profit margins in Irish pharmacies, at 33%, are the highest throughout the EU.