asked the Minister for Health the steps he proposes to take in view of the escalating cost of administering the General Medical Scheme.
Written Answers. - General Medical Scheme.
67.
A number of positive initiatives have already been taken by the Department of Health in response to the levels of expenditure being experienced in the General Medical Scheme in recent months.
The health boards were asked to ensure that the published income guidelines are applied in the issue and review of medical cards so that only those persons eligible under the guidelines, or otherwise in genuine need of a medical card, are provided with cards. The health boards were also asked to discuss with general practitioners at local level the reasons for any apparent excess in their levels of visiting and prescribing under the General Medical Scheme.
The Department have met with the Irish Medical Organisation to advise them of the escalating level of cost within the General Medical Scheme and the implications of this. Such further measures as may be required to respond to the situation are under active consideration at present.