asked the Minister for Health the level of medical and health care inflation over each of the last four years; the cumulative figure for the last four years; the statistical data base which is used for some; the particular rate of increase in drug prices, consultant and general practitioner fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Care Inflation.
118.
The development of an index of health and medical care price inflation would require a detailed expenditure analysis which is not available using present systems. Our health services are based on a complementary mix of public and private care and, as a consequence, information on the total final cost for any procedure will not necessarily be available to my Department.
In relation to the element of the Deputy's query for which the relevant data are to hand, I can state that the cost in the General Medical Service of a consultation with a general practitioner in normal hours has risen from £3.66 at 1 January 1986 to £4.13 at 1 January 1989, an increase of 12.8 per cent.