Sir, – I write to you in relation to a very large difference in the cost of medicine between the Republic and Northern Ireland.
I quite accept that there will be differences in cost between the two areas but the following example has left me totally shocked.
My eight-month-old grandson was prescribed Monotrim for an eight-month period. The cost was €49.17 for a month’s supply.
A telephone call to a chemist in Newry established that a generic (Trimethoprim) would cost £3.75 (€5.21) per month. Apparently a generic version is not available in the Republic of Ireland.
My daughter had bought two months of the prescription here and the remaining six months in Northern Ireland.
The cost difference is €351.68.
A very large amount for a young person.
Twice I have asked the Minister for Health’s office to respond, but have heard nothing back.
It’s crazy and unfair. – Yours, etc,
DAVID R PIKE,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.