Suppliers of generic, biosimilar, and value-added medicines call on political parties to ensure fair competition through patent reform, which could potentially saving the State millions.
As Ireland prepares for the upcoming general election, Medicines for Ireland (MFI) has launched its comprehensive General Election Manifesto, setting out the critical need to ensure patient access to affordable, lifesaving, and life-enhancing medicines.
MFI calls on all political parties to prioritise investments in medicines and systems that deliver value for patients and the State. The manifesto underscores the critical importance of a resilient and sustainable generics, biosimilars, and value-added medicines industry, especially in light of rising medicine costs, an ageing population, and the increasing burden of chronic diseases.
In its manifesto, MFI is calling for:
- Patent reform for fair competition: Address barriers to early market entry for off-patent companies to ensure the State can recover overpayments when patents are invalidated and encourage the HSE to engage early in court cases to recover losses. In one example known to MFI, the State could have saved over €26 million in just eight months had the patent been invalidated and the HSE been a party to the preliminary injunction proceedings.
- Access to essential and affordable medicines: Guarantee the availability of vital medicines at accessible prices, implement the recommendations of the Mazars report to enhance transparency and efficiency in the medicines reimbursement process and collaborate with EU counterparts to address medicine shortages through a European Critical Health Act.
- An Industry fit for the Green, Digital Era: Embrace sustainability and digital innovation in the healthcare sector, support the use of technologies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance patient care and engage with the off-patent industry to ensure environmental policies do not hinder the availability of essential medicines.
Chairperson of MFI, Paul Neill said “As we approach a critical juncture in Ireland’s healthcare landscape, we must prioritise the accessibility and affordability of essential medicines. Our manifesto outlines a clear path to achieving this by addressing the barriers to early market entry for generics and biosimilars. By implementing these reforms, we can ensure that Irish patients have timely access to the treatments they need, while also delivering significant cost savings to the State.”
“Our manifesto emphasises the need for patent reform and greater market competition to drive down costs and improve access to essential medicines. We are committed to working with policymakers to create a healthcare system that is both efficient and equitable for all Irish citizens.”
Medicines for Ireland urges all political representatives to engage with MFI and its members to deliver on the untapped potential within the off-patent industry. By prioritising the measures outlined in the manifesto, Ireland can ensure a healthier future for all its citizens.
Vice-Chair of MFI, Deirdre Kelly said “The future of healthcare in Ireland lies in embracing sustainability and digital innovation. Our manifesto calls for a collaborative approach to integrating green practices and advanced technologies within the pharmaceutical industry. By doing so, we can enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and ultimately improve patient care. We urge political leaders to support these initiatives, ensuring that our healthcare system is both resilient and forward-thinking.”
“The escalating costs of managing chronic diseases and long-term care are placing an unsustainable burden on our healthcare system. By prioritising the use of generics and biosimilars, we can alleviate this pressure and ensure that all patients have access to the medicines they need. Our manifesto provides a roadmap for achieving this, and we call on all political parties to support these vital reforms.”
You can read the Medicines for Ireland General Election Manifesto by clicking on the image below.
