Ivor Callely
Question:152 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he will give the proposals, if any, he has in cases where GPs exceed their drug prescribing targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Drug Target Scheme.
The 1992 GMS Agreement identified an opportunity for achieving cost effective prescribing through the operation of an incentive based drug target scheme for all GMS doctors. Savings achieved over and above individual doctors targets will be divided equally between the practice concerned and the local health board for investment in practice development. A support structure has been put in place through the local health board general practice units to facilitate general practitioners in meeting their targets. I should emphasise that this is an incentive based scheme aimed at encouraging rational, safe and cost effective prescribing and freeing up resources for the development of general practice. As such, a considerable number of GMS doctors are successfully operating their targets in 1993. There are no penalties involved for failure to meet individual targets.
I will be keeping the operation of the drug target scheme under regular review to ensure its effectiveness.