asked the Minister for Health if, in order to alleviate hardships on the middle income group arising from the need to obtain necessary but expensive drugs, he can say whether discussions have taken place with the pharmaceutical profession with a view to providing a more economical service through the regular pharmacists; and if, in order to offset the cost of such a service, he will consider arranging that in such cases a small fee be paid on receipt of the medicines.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Drugs.
36.
Mr. O'Malley
So far the discussions with the pharmaceutical interests have been primarily concerned with the supply of drugs for the lower income group but a scheme to help the middle-income group in meeting part of the cost of drugs will be discussed, the aim being that both schemes would commence at the same time.
In the meantime, health authorities will continue the existing arrangements to help "hardship cases" in the middle income group in obtaining drugs.