Following publication yesterday of Professor John Appleby's report on Health & Social Care Services in Northern Ireland, BMA(NI) Chairman, Dr Brian Patterson, in an initial response said: "The BMA met with Professor Appleby as part of this independent review and early indications are that much of his report appears to be consistent with the evidence provided by the Association."
The report will now be examined in detail by the BMA's NI Council when it meets in October but commenting briefly on aspects of the report in today's media, Dr Patterson said: "The issue of generic prescribing is one which needs to be resolved by the DHSSPS.
"Comparing Northern Ireland with other countries in the UK is not comparing like with like. For example, in NI a generic prescription is only recorded if the pharmacist dispenses a generic product; in England a generic prescription is recorded irrespective of whether or not it is dispensed by the pharmacist.
"There is also a lack of confidence by patients in the cheaper generic drugs because the colour of the medication, plus the colour and language of its packaging, frequently changes. This is dependent on the manufacturer and the country of origin. On the other hand, the brand drug generally remains the same and inspires confidence in patients who are using the medication regularly. This needs to be sorted out by the DHSSPS."