There is no way of treating the ever-growing number of sick patients in acute hospitals under the current system, according to the Secretary General at the Department of Health.
Robert Watt will tell the Oireachtas Health Committee that early prevention of illness along with the promotion of healthy ageing will be vital if the healthcare system is to function in the future. The Committee is examining the funding allocated to the health service in the Budget, which HSE Chief Executive Bernard Gloster has described as inadequate.
In his opening statement to the Health Committee, Mr Watt will say that savings and efficiencies are required in the acute health sector. Measures will need to be taken in relation to recruitment, overtime and agency staff, the Secretary General believes. Mr Watt will tell TDs and Senators that the existing budget for medicines can be better used by purchasing generic and biosimilar medicines. The Committee will hear too that next year a drug for Alzheimer's disease – Lecanemab - is expected to be ready.The number of patients treated in hospital has not kept pace with the large increase in health spending, Mr Watt will say. The HSE Chief Executive will inform the Committee that an agreement on staff numbers and staffing costs for next year will soon be agreed with the Department of Health.
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