Cost of generic drugs still far higher in Ireland than Britain
The price of some essential medicines is still far higher here than in Britain, despite the new pricing initiative introduced by the Government.
A report carried by the Sunday Business Post today claims Atorvastatin products, which are used to lower cholesterol, still cost much more here than in the UK.
The HSE pays over €9 for a month's supply, while the NHS pays €2 for the same generic medication.
When the new pricing initiative came into effect on Thursday, the Minister for Health said the HSE now pays 70% less for these medicines than it did in May of this year.
The Government is aiming to ensure that the price of generic drugs in Ireland will fall into line with other European countries.
