Total number of prescriptions continues to rise
Date published:
New official accredited statistics published today by NISRA statisticians within the Business Services Organisation (BSO), provide high level information on the number of prescriptions dispensed and their associated costs.
Key findings
For quarter two 2025/26
- The total number of prescription items dispensed was 11.6 million, representing a 0.9% increase since last quarter and a 0.8% increase since last year.
- The total cost for prescription ingredients was £128.2 million, representing a 1.9% increase since last quarter and a 0.6% increase since last year.
- The average cost per prescription item was £11.07, representing a 1.1% increase since last quarter and a 0.3% decrease since last year.
- The average cost of a prescription item for males was £12.14, whereas the average cost for females was £10.09.
About this publication
This publication presents summary statistical information on Northern Ireland pharmaceutical services for July to September 2025/26 (Quarter 2).
The publication provides details on the number of prescription items and the ingredient cost of items prescribed and dispensed in primary care in Northern Ireland.
Further information
Read the full report:
General Pharmaceutical Services for Northern Ireland, Quarterly Series to Q2 2025/26 - Provisional
View background information and data tables: