asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being caused by delays in reimbursement from the health boards for the cost of drugs and if he will introduce a special claims form for elderly people so that their claims will have priority.
Written Answers. - Drug Cost Reimbursement.
323.
While I am not aware that hardship is being caused by these delays certain aspects of the scheme are already being examined with a view to ensuring earlier payment of refunds. This would benefit all who avail themselves of the scheme.
Separate claim forms for special groups of persons would very likely add to the procedures for administering the scheme, resulting in greater delays for other groups.
Health boards have been asked to re-examine their arrangements with a view to making early refunds in individual cases where the cost was significant.