Patrick D. Harte
Question:103 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the reasons he has recently suggested that he would introduce legislation to deal with drug prescribing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Drug Prescribing Legislation.
I have not made any suggestion concerning the introduction of legislation on prescribing. The question of devising agreed mechanisms to control drug costs emerged as one of the most important issues of the 1990/1991 GMS Review. The strategy recommended in the Review for dealing with this issue is based on an agreed document drawn up between management and the Irish Medical Organisation and is currently being implemented. The main features of the strategy are as follows:
(a) Educational measures focused on the public and the general practitioner to control prescribing.
(b) Greater co-ordination between hospital and community prescribing given that a significant proportion of community prescribing is initiated in hospitals.
(c) improved analysis of prescribing and improved information flows.
(d) The setting up of the National Therapeutics Advisory Committee to establish Protocols of care for common chronic illnesses, to advise on non-drug therapies for certain self limiting conditions and to give advice in relation to prescribing in both community and hospital setting with the aim of encouraging appropriate, safe, effective and cost-efficient prescribing.
(e) Indicative drug targets to issue to each doctor in the GMS Scheme.
The drugs strategy is being evaluated as part of the current GMS Review discussions with the medical organisations.
In addition an Inter Departmental Drugs Group which was established last year and is comprised of representatives of the Departments of Health, Finance, Industry and Commerce and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs is examining all aspects of Exchequer expenditure on prescribed drugs and is expected to report to me shortly.