asked the Minister for Health if he will give particulars of the present regulation in regard to the purchase and distribution of streptomycin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase and Distribution of Streptomycin.
I have made no statutory regulations in regard to the purchase and distribution of streptomycin.
Arrangements were made with the importing firms and the Medical Research Council to control the import and distribution of this drug until the medical profession in this country has gained more experience of its use. Under these arrangements stocks of streptomycin held by the various importing firms are regarded as forming a pool, details of which are kept by the secretary, Irish Drug Association (wholesale section). The importers have undertaken to maintain a minimum pool of 4,000 grammes. When fresh supplies are required to make good withdrawals from the pool application is made by one or more of the importing firms to the Department of Finance for dollar facilities to import a consignment or consignments from the United States of America. The application for the dollars is accompanied by a recommendation from the secretary, Irish Drug Association, a copy of which is sent to this Department, which, as a rule, supports the recommendation for the grant of the necessary dollars.
Under the arrangement a medical practitioner or a hospital, desiring to use streptomycin, should apply to the Medical Research Council for permission. If the council are satisfied on the information given by a private practitioner that the case is suitable for treatment with streptomycin, they arrange with the secretary, Irish Drug Association, for the supply of a suitable quantity of the drug to the doctor through his usual chemist. Hospitals are permitted by the council to keep a reserve up to 100 grammes.
This amount, together with the amounts required to keep up the reserve, are authorised by the Medical Research Council to be supplied by the distributors selected by the Irish Drug Association and, where possible, through the usual wholesale supplier of the hospital. A hospital may use up to ten grammes in the treatment of any patient without the prior approval of the council but, if this limit is exceeded, the council's approval must be obtained.
The arrangements for the control and distribution of streptomycin are under review at present.