asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the inclusion of cases of suspected cancer and those who have survived cancer operations, in a scheme under the Health Acts similar to that covering such diseases as TB, diabetes and other illnesses requiring long-term treatment, in view of the fact that no such provision exists at present; and if he will arrange for an examination of the present situation in the hope of intensifying the fight against cancer in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cancer Patients.
16.
Persons with full eligibility have free hospital in-patient and out-patient services and free drugs and medicines. Persons with limited eligibility have the same hospital services and are eligible for a refund of part of the cost of drugs for themselves and their dependants. In this case, the cost of a month's supply of drugs will not exceed £6.50. About 85 per cent of the population is covered by one or other of these categories.
For the great majority of persons, therefore, the hospital services necessary for the investigation of suspected cancer or the treatment and post-operative care of cancer cases is already provided free of charge under the Health Acts. The necessary drugs are available either free or subject to a net maximum cost.
For persons who are not eligible for these services the hospital and home schemes of the Voluntary Health Insurance Board cover most if not all of the cost of similar services. Individual cases of undue hardship will be considered by the health boards.
The fight against cancer proceeds on several fronts, in the areas of research, treatment, diagnosis and education and all of these are supported by my Department. Therefore while there is not a specific cancer scheme there is a wide range of services to meet the needs of suspected or diagnosed cancer cases, and these services are under almost continuous examination.
Is the Minister aware that a similar appeal has been made by the chairman of Hume Street Hospital who is very familiar with cancer cases? I am rather disappointed with the Minister's reply because we speak a great deal about——
The Deputy may not make a speech.
I wanted to say that I was very disappointed with the Minister's reply. If we are to encourage people to come forward for examination for early diagnosis of cancer, we must also assure them that their financial involvement will not be great. I have known families where some members were unfortunate enough to have cancer and their expenses were so enormous——
I am calling the next question.
If there is hardship in the case it can be specially considered by the health board. Perhaps the Deputy would give me details of the case he has in mind.
Has the Minister considered what the cost of such a scheme would be or have the Department made any inquiries estimating the cost of including this?
That is a separate matter.
Before this could be considered for inclusion in the free drugs scheme, I imagine it would be necessary for the Department to estimate the cost. That is why I wondered if the Department had costed this.
No, they have not.