New deal 'may slash State's drugs bill by up to €400m'

The State's drug bill could be slashed by up to €400m in a deal with drug manufacturers.

According to this morning's Irish Times the Department of Health and drug manufacturers are said to be in negotiations that could save the HSE millions.

The newspaper reports that a deal with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association is close to being made. The deal could see savings of between €30m to €40m between now and the end of the year alone.

Although the move will see the cost of drugs to the HSE fall, it is believed these savings will not be passed on to patients.

The cost of medicines to Irish consumers will remain unchanged.