asked the Minister for Health the total value of drugs purchased by Dublin Health Authority from a firm (name supplied) since 1st July, 1965.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchases of Drugs.
84.
Mr. O'Malley
I am informed that the total value of drugs purchased by Dublin Health Authority from the firm in question since 1st July, 1965 is £4,588 5s 6d.
In view of the fact that the Minister stated that the drugs supplied by this company are of an inferior quality, will he state why the Dublin Health Authority still insist on purchasing these drugs?
Mr. O'Malley
The stocks of certain drugs held in the Central Pharmacy were exhausted some time ago. The only drug purchased from the firm in question and at present held in stock is imipramine. The stocks of this drug are residues of orders placed with the firm in question when they were official contractors last year, and no quantities of this drug were purchased from them since 1st July, 1965. I should point out that a sample of the drug in question was sent to the Galway Public Analyst's Laboratory for testing and was found to be in accordance with the British Pharmacopoeia standards.
85.
asked the Minister for Health the cost to Dublin Health Authority of the scheme for contribution towards the cost of drugs, medicines and appliances in each of the past three years.
Mr. O'Malley
I presume the Deputy's question relates to the arrangements for the supply of drugs, medicines and appliances under section 14 of the Health Act, 1953, in cases of hardship, to persons not covered by medical cards.
The cost to Dublin Health Authority of the items supplied under these arrangement was:
|
1963 |
£2,793 |
|
1964 |
£2,341 |
|
1965 |
£2,031 |
Half the cost was recouped to the health authority by way of Health Services grant.
Patients applying for this service find that Dublin Health Authority is prepared to supply the drugs at half the prescription price. Would the Minister not agree that in offering this service Dublin Health Authority actually pays much less than half price for them and would be making money on the service, and that it is administrative costs which are imposing such a charge on Dublin Health Authority?
Mr. O'Malley
That is a separate question. If the Deputy puts down that question, I shall attempt to give him a satisfactory answer.