Government Secures Landmark 4-Year Medicines Deal with Pharmaceutical Companies

Kenneth Fox The Government is expected to approve a four-year medicines deal with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA). It follows ongoing talks between the IPHA, which represents research-based companies that make branded medicines, the State, and companies that make generic medicines. The Irish Patients Association welcomed the news, saying it commits the HSE to decision-making within 180 days under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medicines) Act 2013. "This agreement addresses an unconscionable two-tier system where private patients access new cancer treatments up to two years before public patients can access the same medicine through the HSE," said Stephen McMahon, chair of the Irish Patients Association. "For too long, the State has failed to meet its own 180-day legal requirement under the Health Information and Quality Authority Act 2013. The current average of 617 days—1.7 years—must end." In practice, the commitment would reduce average processing times by 437 days relative to the current average. For cancer medicines, it would cut delays by 514 days from the current 694-day average. The agreement appropriately balances patients' rights to equitable access and innovation with the State's responsibility to ensure cost-effectiveness within finite health budgets. Approximately 32 new medicines are expected this year, covering treatments for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. "Effective accountability requires regular public reporting on access to new drugs and waiting list performance," "This is a positive step forward for patients," McMahon concluded. "We look forward to seeing regular public reporting that verifies these commitments deliver genuine improvements in patient outcomes and compliance with the 180-day statutory requirement," Mr McMahon said.