Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey is confident that £88million can be saved in the NI prescribing budget by 2011. The savings are being made through the dispensing of generic rather than branded drugs.
Speaking during question time at the Assembly, Mr McGimpsey said: "At present almost 60% of drugs prescribed in Northern Ireland are generic. This currently amounts to £76million in efficiency savings.
"I am confident by next year I will achieve a further £12million through the use of generic rather than branded medicines. This will equate to a 50% increase in generic prescribing in Northern Ireland over the last five years."
The Minister continued: "My Department's policy is that generic medicines should be prescribed in preference to branded medicines in all appropriate circumstances.
"It is for Doctors in consultation with their patients to decide the most suitable treatment and to prescribe medication to support that treatment."
