asked the Minister for Health the waiting period in each health board for making payments to patients under the drug refund scheme; and the reason this waiting period is so long.
Written Answers. - Drug Refund Scheme.
729.
The average waiting period for a refund under the drugs refund scheme for 1982 was as follows:
|
Health Board |
Average Waiting Period |
|
Eastern |
6-8 weeks |
|
Midland |
3-5 weeks |
|
Mid-Western |
6 weeks |
|
North-Eastern |
2-3 weeks |
|
North-Western |
3-4 weeks |
|
South-Eastern |
5-6 weeks |
|
Southern |
4 weeks |
|
Western |
5 weeks |
While this shows significant delays in a number of areas it is anticipated that the average waiting period in 1983 in these areas will be reduced to within four weeks of date of claim.
730.
asked the Minister for Health how much money was refunded to patients under the drug refund scheme in 1982; and the estimated reduction his Department envisage in the cost of this scheme in 1983.
The amount refunded in 1982 was just over £12 million. The cost of the scheme in the current year should not exceed £8 million.