New IPHA Framework Agreement to accelerate patient access and drive investment in innovative medicines.
- New four-year deal designed to deliver faster patient access to innovative medicines, within 180 days to HSE decisions on reimbursement and a stable policy framework.
- Agreement supports growing investment in innovative medicines, reflecting the vital economic contribution of the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland.
The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) welcomes the new four-year Framework Agreement which we believe will allow more innovative medicines to reach patients faster; and is a positive step in supporting the life sciences industry in Ireland. This Agreement on the pricing and supply of medicines reflects a continued desire on all sides to invest in treatments that improve outcomes for patients in Ireland and speed up the process of reimbursing new medicines in compliance with the law.
The negotiations and outcome were critically enabled by assurances from the Minister for Health that the Agreement should address “the explicit aim of achieving the timelines set out in legislation. This marked the first time a Minister for Health confirmed a policy commitment to achieving the timelines in the 2013 legislation and is now the basis for this new Agreement. We pay tribute to her for that decision.
In a paper published last February, Faster and Fairer Access to Medicines, IPHA called on the State to reform the reimbursement system so that it is resourced, governed, and designed to operate within the legal 180-day timeline for HSE decisions set by the Oireachtas in the Health Act 2013.
This Agreement establishes a practical framework of process reforms to drive measurable improvement over its lifetime. Looking ahead, consistent delivery of timely decisions will strengthen patient access to innovative treatments, improve predictability for clinicians and the health service, and reinforce Ireland’s position as an attractive environment for life sciences investment and research while supporting better outcomes for patients.
Throughout these negotiations, our aim was to support the conditions for sustained investment in innovative medicines in Ireland, ensuring that we continue to be considered a pro-innovation economy and society. The Agreement will allow for efficiencies to be achieved in medicines expenditure by the State that will support investment in innovation. On-going review mechanisms allow for continued dialogue between industry and State on all matters.
Shane Ryan, IPHA President, said:
“Today’s Agreement is a critical step forward in supporting patients in Ireland gain faster access to innovative and life-changing medicines, whilst empowering clinicians to provide the best care available. Through this Agreement, we have the opportunity to significantly enhance patient care and drive benefits across the healthcare system, which is vital if we are to improve patient outcomes and advance our ambitions as a leader for the life sciences sector.
Today’s announcement is the result of significant collaboration and engagement across Government and the sector, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the Agreement delivers for patients, the health system, and industry.”
Oliver O’Connor, IPHA Chief Executive, said:
“This Agreement is a turning point for patients and also an important outcome for Ireland and the pharmaceutical industry. It underscores a sustained commitment to investing in medicines that deliver better patient outcomes, while signalling that increased investment in innovation will not only strengthen Ireland’s leadership in healthcare and life sciences but also reinforce our economic growth and global competitiveness. Faster access means better outcomes for patients and a stronger healthcare system overall. IPHA and our members are proud to play our part in making this happen with our stakeholders representing the State.”
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