Faster access to new medicines and fewer shortages a 'major step forward'

A key issue is reducing how long public patients wait for new medicines to be assessed compared to private patients. 

Patients could see faster access to new medicines, fewer shortages, and more access to generic medicines under deals agreed between the Government, HSE, and pharmaceutical industry on Tuesday.

The agreements cover pricing and supply for public health services until December 2029.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said this was “a major step forward in improving access to medicines for patients”.

A key issue is reducing how long public patients wait for new medicines to be assessed compared to private patients. 

More funding will be given to the HSE drugs group to target this. Pharmaceutical companies committed to applying to the HSE in a more timely fashion. 

The industry in turn will benefit from predictable pricing structures and other reforms under agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association.

An agreement with Medicines for Ireland, an industry body, focuses on supply, including shortages. Work to increase the number of products available could reduce pressures on commonly used brands.

The deal is expected to boost “the stable supply of generic and biosimilar medicines for the benefit of Irish patients", said Ms Carroll MacNeill.

Companies will be encouraged to launch generic medicines more quickly after a patent expires. Generics are usually cheaper than branded medicines.

The deal also includes plans to develop a safe early access programme for rare disease treatments.

Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association chief executive Oliver O’Connor welcomed the deal as “a turning point” for patients and the industry.

“It underscores a sustained commitment to investing in medicines that deliver better patient outcomes,” he said, adding it brings “increased investment in innovation”.

Irish Patients’ Association chair Stephen McMahon was positive about the changes, saying they address "an unconscionable two-tier system" between public and private patients.