Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 1

Written Answers. - Myasthenia Gravis Association.

Liam Fitzgerald

Question:

82 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the representations that have been made to his Department by the Myasthenia Gravis Association for recognition of the condition and its inclusion under the long term illness scheme; if his attention has further been drawn to the dangerous aspect of the condition if it is not diagnosed in time; if he will give a commitment to have the condition included in the scheme in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3289/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I have received representations on behalf of the Myasthenia Gravis Association concerning the inclusion of Myasthenia Gravis in the long term illness scheme and I have replied to these representations directly.

The position is that the long term illness scheme entitles persons who suffer from certain illnesses to free drugs and medicines which are prescribed in respect of the particular illnesses. The original aim of the scheme was to ensure that persons with a long term disability or diseases which is treatable by drug therapy would not have to suffer expense in order to obtain their required drugs and medicines.

The needs of people with significant or ongoing medical expenses are now being met by a range of other schemes which provide assistance towards the cost of prescribed drugs and medicines.

Where an individual or a family is subjected to a significant level of ongoing expenditure on medical expenses (general practitioner fees, prescribed drugs etc.) due to a long term medical condition, these expenses may be reckoned in determining eligibility for a medical card. In some cases a medical card may issue to a family member of a personal basis. Eligibility for a medical card is solely a matter for the Chief Executive Officer of the relevant Health Board to decide.

Persons who suffer from an ongoing medical condition can avail of the Drug Cost Subsidisation Scheme which caters for people who do not have a medical card or long term illness book and are certified as having a long term medical condition with a regular and ongoing requirement for prescribed drugs and medicines in excess of an amount per month, currently £32. Persons who qualify for inclusion in this scheme will not have to spend more than £32 in any month on prescribed medication.

Under the Drugs Refund Scheme which covers expenditure by the whole family, any expenditure on prescribed medication above £90 in a calendar quarter is refunded by the Health Board.

I am satisfied that appropriate and comprehensive support is being provided by the State through the existing range of drug schemes to those with medical expenses arising from conditions such as Myasthenia Gravis. Accordingly, I have no plans to extend the number or range of illnesses currently covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme.

With regard to the diagnosis of the condition, I understand that Myasthenia Gravis is a relatively uncommon disease which affects the neuro-muscular system.Where a patient exhibits symptoms or signs of a neuro-muscular condition, a general practioner would normally refer the patient to a medical consultant for confirmation of the condition and whether a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis can be confirmed. I am satisfied that appropriate resources are available for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.