People will now have open access to blood thinning drug, Clopidogrel, which is used for the treatment of patients suffering from heart problems. The drug is currently being funded for the people, who suffer from acute coronary syndrome, for those who are sensitive to aspirin and for the ones who have had stents inserted in their heart to open blocked arteries.

But now, the drug can be prescribed to any of the patients, whom the doctors think suitable, as the Special Authorities thought of reducing the prices. Initially, the patients used to pay $168 for a month's treatment; but now, the price has been reduced to $5.05 a month. Peter Moodie, Medical Director, said that the cardiologists and the GPs will welcome the easy access of Clopidogrel.

 Dr. Moodie said that the step of reducing the price can be considered as an effective tool for handling people with cardiac problems. "Blood-thinning drugs are important for enabling people to return to their lives after heart surgery, and clopidogrel is a useful option”, he added. According to the predictions of Pharmac, although the prices have been reduced, the number of people taking the drug will become around 50,000 within three years. Therefore, about $6 million would be required to spend on the widening access over the next five years.