James O'Mahony: Cost of new drugs must be balanced with our poor access to entry-level healthcare 

Clinically basic and highly cost-effective elective care in Ireland is being neglected while we maintain an excessively generous threshold for new drugs, writes James O’Mahony of Trinity College.

In the coming weeks you may hear industry lobbyists, patient groups and doctors extolling the need to remain at the forefront of access to new medicines.

The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) is a powerful lobby representing branded drugs manufacturers in Ireland. For decades it has been an important player in price negotiations over new medicines.

It strikes periodic pricing deals typically lasting three to six years. The IPHA is due to agree a new deal with the HSE and the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform early this year.