RTÉ Investigates — Opioid prescribing under public drug schemes

An RTÉ Investigates analysis published on 28 September 2026 found that opioid prescribing under Ireland’s General Medical Services (GMS) scheme rose approximately 12% per eligible person between 2018 and 2025, equivalent to an increase from just over 15,400 to more than 17,200 Defined Daily Doses (DDDs) per 1,000 eligible people.1 The State spent €316 million […]

AWMSG Annual Report 2025–26

The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group published its Annual Report for 2025–26 on 7 September 2026.1 The report records that 76 medicines were subject to AWMSG appraisal in the year. NHS Wales follows NICE technology appraisals automatically, with a 60-day funding obligation rather than the 90-day standard applying in England. Blueteq comment: AWTTC (the All […]