Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 1

Written Answers. - Supply of Sterile Equipment.

Richard Bruton

Question:

548 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will outline (1) the system which is now in place for central purchasing and supply of sterile equipment and supplies, (2) the estimated expenditure on such supplies within the health service and (3) whether his Department have carried out any study to compare the prices being paid in Ireland to wholesale prices available in the UK or other overseas markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

Sterile equipment and supplies includes items which are capable of being sterilised, e.g. gowns, drapes, theatre instruments and dressing packs together with a range of consumables and disposables such as needles, syringes and catheters.

Individual health agencies generally purchase these items on an annual basis by way of tender. The recent hospital efficiency review group report has recommended,inter alia, that agencies pool their collective purchasing power with the objective of securing optimum terms. The group's recommendations in this area are now being followed up with those agencies concerned by the value for money unit within my Department.

The concept of central purchasing is applied at health board level but my Department are keeping under review the potential benefits from wider group purchasing initiatives, particularly in relation to those products which would be amenable to such a strategy.

Expenditure on sterile supplies is not indicated separately in health agency accounts. It is included under a much broader heading of medical and surgical appliances which is estimated at £40 million for 1991.

As a result of an initiative taken by my Department in 1990, price information is exchanged on a monthly basis with UK health authorities on a wide range of products to ensure that health agencies here increase their market awareness through access to a wider database. International price information comparisons, however, must be viewed in the context of different procurement systems which apply to individual services in different countries.

The Deputy can be assured that achievement of economies through rationalisation of purchasing arrangements will continue to be pursued as a top priority.