Michael Noonan
Question:129 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Health the total cost of the free drug scheme for medical card holders in 1991 and the estimated cost for 1992.
Written Answers. - Free Drugs Scheme.
The cost of supplying drugs to medical card holders under the General Medical Services scheme in 1991 amounted to £120 million. This amount includes fees paid to pharmacists in respect of drugs dispensed under the scheme.
Prescribing rates under the GMS are currently being monitored on a monthly basis. However, given the demand led nature of this scheme, it is too early at this stage to give an accurate indication of the level of expenditure in 1992.