Ministers welcome cross-border collaboration on innovation in healthcare and medicines optimisation

(L-R): Dr Glenda Fleming, MOIC; Professor John R Scott, HIHI; Professor Cathy Harrison, DoH; Minister Alan Dillon; Health Minister Mike Nesbitt; Professor Mike Scott, MOIC; Dr Tanya Mulcahy, HIHI

A significant step towards enhanced healthcare delivery across the island of Ireland was celebrated this week, as UK and Irish ministers welcomed a new cross-border collaboration aimed at improving innovation in pharmacy practice and medicines optimisation.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, and Irish Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD, attended a special event that showcased pioneering healthcare developments led by the Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC) and the Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI).

The event also addressed the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle shared healthcare challenges through innovation, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives.

One of the major highlights was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MOIC and HIHI – an agreement set to deepen the relationship between the two organisations.

Minister Nesbitt and Minister Alan Dillon signing the MOU, accompanied by Professor Cathy Harrison; Professor John R Scott; Dr Tanya Mulcahy, HIHI; Professor Mike Scott

A Decade of Progress

Established in 2015 by Northern Ireland’s Department of Health, MOIC has become a centre of excellence in medicines optimisation.

Over the last ten years, the organisation has made notable progress in improving patient outcomes, reducing inefficiencies, and minimising waste in the use of medicines. Through collaborative research and knowledge transfer, MOIC has demonstrated the benefits of innovation-driven solutions within the healthcare sector.

HIHI, its Republic of Ireland counterpart, has similarly driven healthcare innovation by connecting the health service with enterprise and academic partners to accelerate the adoption of new ideas that deliver real patient impact.

Strengthening Ties for a Healthier Future

Speaking at the event, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:

“I welcome the formal signing of the MOU between MOIC and HIHI, strengthening the relationship between both organisations. Collaboration is the foundation upon which a resilient, patient-centred healthcare system is built.

“By working together, across sectors and borders, we can tackle shared challenges, engage in knowledge transfer, share best practice, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients across the island of Ireland.”

Irish Minister of State Alan Dillon also praised the development, highlighting the dual benefits of innovation for healthcare and economic growth:

“Today marks a significant milestone in healthcare innovation and collaboration across the Island of Ireland. The signing of the MOU underscores our commitment to advancing innovation in healthcare and medicines optimisation through shared expertise and resources.

“This partnership not only enhances our healthcare systems but also strengthens our economies by fostering job creation and supporting indigenous enterprises on this island. Together, we are paving the way for a healthier future and demonstrating that innovation knows no borders.”

Voices from the Sector

Professor Mike Scott, Director of MOIC, welcomed the agreement, noting the potential for expanded impact:

“I am thoroughly delighted to have formalised this agreement with HIHI and look forward to the future opportunities that our collaboration will undoubtedly bring.”

Dr Tanya Mulcahy, Director of HIHI, emphasised the value of working in unity:

“Collaborating across the island of Ireland enables us to harness the full potential of our collective talent, infrastructure, and ideas to deliver real-world impact in healthcare. By working together, North and South, we strengthen our ability to support innovators, improve patient outcomes, and position this island as a global leader in health innovation.”

Looking Ahead

The MOU represents a formal commitment to joint action, but it also symbolises a broader vision — one where borders are not barriers to innovation, and where shared health challenges are met with collective solutions.

As both organisations move forward with joint projects, the agreement is expected to stimulate further healthcare innovation, support economic development, and contribute to improved patient care across all communities on the island of Ireland.