asked the Minister for Health if he has seen a recent statement by a county manager that the alarming cost of medicines provided under the Health Act was responsible for much of the estimated increase in the cost of the health services for the coming year; and, if so, if he will carry out an inquiry into the prices which the public must pay for medicines at the present time, in order to allay public unrest in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Medicines.
48.
My attention has been drawn to the statement referred to by the Deputy. I may point out, however, that, in the health authority area in question, the average cost of medicines and appliances per person eligible for general medical services is not excessive, by reference to the estimated national average. In the case of the main general hospital in the area, the average cost of these items per patient day appears to be increasing rather rapidly and I am having the position looked into.
While the cost of drugs and medicines supplied by health authorities under the health services is kept under review by my Department, I have no functions regarding an inquiry into the prices which the general public must pay for medicines; this would be a matter for the Minister for Industry and Commerce.