Lack of funding for medicines adds to Irish gloom

If Ireland’s people were not already somewhat pessimistic on Monday following the country’s exit from the Rugby World Cup, they have further reason for gloom, according to the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA).

The pharma trade group has expressed fears that the absence of any funding for new medicines in the government’s budget 2024, will mean Health Service Executive (HSE) patients in Ireland may now have to wait even longer for these innovative products.

"Without new treatment options, Irish patients will have lower standards of care, disappointed hopes and greater disease progression"The IPHA has issued a statement on the issue, which reads: “In 2024, our member companies plan to launch new medicines across many types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, HIV, auto-immune diseases, dermatology, kidney disease, musculoskeletal diseases for children and more.