Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

The Minister was particularly keen to see a medicines management programme established. It is the first time in the history of the State that we have invited experts to work with GPs, other medical practitioners and other prescribers, to prescribe the most cost-effective option for a patient. I believe that in the next year or two we will see significant benefits accruing from this change. I particularly want to thank Professor Michael Barry from the pharmacoeconomics unit in Trinity College who is leading this initiative.

At the end of the day we want to ensure that patients get the most appropriate and the right medicine, in the right dose at the right time. This medicines management programme is particularly important in achieving our objectives.