The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) announced that with effect from the 1st February 2010 the cost of long established medicines would be reduced by 40%.

IPHA, the representative body for the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Ireland, has set up this website on which patients can check to see if their medicines are listed, and the price reduction. The website – www.checkthelist.ie – carries a detailed list of all the medicines and their new, lower prices. A lo-call number – (1890) 876 700 – has also been set up. checkthelist.ie includes some of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the country.

Commenting on the initiative, Brian Murphy, IPHA’s Director of Commercial Affairs, said:

“We would urge patients to check the website as those who have to pay for their medicines could save €3 - €4 on every €10 they spend. That’s a potential saving of up to €500 per year,” said Mr Murphy.

The reduction in cost of several hundred named, familiar branded medicines is the result of an initiative by the industry to reduce costs for the State by €94 million over the next 12 months.

“We were approached by the Minister for Health and Children with a request to create immediate savings on the State bill for medicines. Recognising the difficult position of the Irish economy and the tough decisions facing the Irish Government our member companies were willing to play their part in helping to reduce costs and prices. This initiative will significantly reduce costs for the State, and it will also reduce prices that patients pay directly for some of their medicines.“

IPHA said that its member companies will also pay an increased rebate to the HSE in respect of the manufacturer’s price of all other medicines dispensed under all of the community drug schemes.

IPHA said that its member companies look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Health and Children and the HSE in a positive manner and to finding solutions of benefit to both sides and most importantly of all to Irish patients. The constructive relationship has been a key factor in the industry’s willingness to locate so much foreign direct investment in this country – €7 billion alone in the last nine years.

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