Northern Ireland has introduced its first strategy aimed at promoting the sustainable use of medicines across the Health and Social Care (HSC) system.

'Valuing Medicines: A Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Medicines in Northern Ireland' seeks to ensure that medicines are used in a way that is cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and adds value to patient care.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the strategy was necessary given that annual medicines expenditure has reached £875 million. He highlighted that the Department already achieves significant savings through the Medicines Optimisation Regional Efficiency (MORE) programme, which saves around £20 million each year.

"Medicines optimisation not only delivers cost benefits for the HSC system, it can also help reduce carbon emissions, improve patient safety and ensure equitable access to innovative treatments and technologies for future generations," the Minister said. Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison added: "Medicines have a vital role in helping to prevent, treat, and cure disease. They are our most common medical intervention and are relied upon to support health and wellbeing throughout life.

"However, with medicine costs increasing annually, we need to take action to protect access to medicines for the future. This strategy sets out what we intend to do to help ensure the sustainable use of medicines and embed a culture of valuing medicines within the HSC and the wider population.

"I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the public consultation. These responses were invaluable in shaping the strategy we have launched today."

The strategy aims to embed sustainable medicines practices across all HSC settings, promoting equitable access to appropriate and cost-effective medicines, involving patients in decisions about their care, reducing waste and environmental impact, and supporting improvement through data, technology, research, and innovation.