asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that, owing to changes in the distribution of cortisone, the medical research council have to curtail very severely their work with cortisone in rheumatoid arthritis, and whether, in view of the impossibility of poor people paying for it themselves, he will consider the making of a supply of cortisone available to such people a function of his Department by issuing it to boards of health for distribution to doctors who may require it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Distribution of Cortisone.
I am not aware of any changes in the distribution of cortisone, as referred to in the question.
The supply of drugs necessary for the treatment of poor persons is one of the functions of public assistance authorities and the cost ranks for recoupment as health expenditure under the Health Services (Financial Provisions) Act, 1947. Supplies of the drug, cortisone, so far as it is available, may be obtained by the authorities mentioned through the normal commercial channels in the same manner as supplies of other drugs for the treatment of poor persons.
I feel, however, that I should emphasise that research into the use and therapeutic effects of cortisone is still proceeding, here and elsewhere, and I am advised that there are distinct limitations, difficulties and dangers in its use in the treatment of chronic diseases. Consequently in the present state of knowledge regarding it, an attitude of considerable caution is necessary and it should only be used by persons with extensive experience of arthritic diseases.