Prescriptions dispensed in the Community in Wales, 2000 to 2008

Statistics include data up to the calendar year 2008. The latest release updates the statistics previously released on 13 March 2008.

The key points from the latest release are:

• The number of prescription items dispensed in the community increased from 62.1 million in 2007 to 65.1 million (up by 5 per cent).
• The net ingredient cost of all prescriptions dispensed in the community decreased by 2 per cent over 2007, to £579 million.  In real terms this was also a decrease of 2 per cent.  
• The average net ingredient cost per item was £8.90, a 61p decrease from the 2007 figure.
• Drugs for the treatment of the cardiovascular system make up the largest group in terms of prescription items but drugs for the treatment of the central nervous system make up the largest group in terms of cost.

Contact

Tel: 029 2082 5080
E-mail: stats.healthinfo@wales.gsi.gov.uk