asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the extent of the illness systemic lupus erythematosus; if he will designate this illness as a long term illness for the purposes of a long term illness card; the benefits such designation would have for the sufferers of that illness; if there are any other concessions he could make to those sufferers in order to relieve their anxiety and financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Long-Term Illness Designation.
152.
This condition is one which predominantly presents in female patients. The medical literature puts the incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus at one per 2,000 female population. These estimates would indicate a population of about 800 systemic lupus erythematosus patients here.
I am at present reviewing both the long term illness scheme and drugs refund scheme to ensure that the needs of those who require expensive drugs on a regular basis are met more equitably.