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30/05/2006
Health Service campaign to save millions
A new government initiative has today been announced by Health Minister Paul Goggins, which could save the Health Service millions of pounds.
‘Go Generic’ promotes the prescribing of generic, or non-branded, medicines to patients, where appropriate.
This is part of a package of measures designed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) to make better use of health service money thereby improving the quality and efficiency of patient care by treating more patients.
It is hoped that the measures will deliver an overall saving of around £55 million in pharmaceutical costs by 2008 and the ‘Go Generic’ initiative will be vital in achieving this target.
Tthe Health Minister said: “Generic medicines are generally less expensive than branded products. Increasing their use will deliver significant savings, freeing up funds that could otherwise be spent on life-saving medicines, specialist treatments and much needed operations.
“All generic drugs must undergo the same stringent safety and quality requirements demanded of the original product. Patients can therefore be assured they will be taking the same quality medicine with the same beneficial effect on their medical condition.”
Posters and information leaflets will be made available at pharmacies and GP surgeries throughout the province, in a bid to explain the benefits of generic medicines.
(EF/SP)
‘Go Generic’ promotes the prescribing of generic, or non-branded, medicines to patients, where appropriate.
This is part of a package of measures designed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) to make better use of health service money thereby improving the quality and efficiency of patient care by treating more patients.
It is hoped that the measures will deliver an overall saving of around £55 million in pharmaceutical costs by 2008 and the ‘Go Generic’ initiative will be vital in achieving this target.
Tthe Health Minister said: “Generic medicines are generally less expensive than branded products. Increasing their use will deliver significant savings, freeing up funds that could otherwise be spent on life-saving medicines, specialist treatments and much needed operations.
“All generic drugs must undergo the same stringent safety and quality requirements demanded of the original product. Patients can therefore be assured they will be taking the same quality medicine with the same beneficial effect on their medical condition.”
Posters and information leaflets will be made available at pharmacies and GP surgeries throughout the province, in a bid to explain the benefits of generic medicines.
(EF/SP)
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