Máirín Quill
Question:134 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health when the health care package in respect of hepatitis C victims will be put in place in all its elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15029/96]
Written Answers. - Hepatitis C Package.
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn
Question:178 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health the progress, if any, that has been made with doctors in relation to healthcare requirements for hepatitis C victims. [15403/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 178 together.
The purpose of the Health (Amendment) Act 1996 is to provide a statutory basis for the making available without charge of certain services to certain persons who have contracted hepatitis C. Eligible persons are those who have contracted hepatitis C directly or indirectly from the use of human immunoglobulin -anti-D or the receipt within the State of another blood product or a blood transfusion. The services to be provided are: (a) general practitioner medical and surgical services, in realation to all medical conditions, provided by registered medical practitioners (within the meaning of the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978) chosen by the persons; (b) drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances; (c) the home nursing service specified in Section 60 of the Health Act of 1970; (d) a home help service as specified in Section 61 of the Health Act of 1970; (e) dental, opthalmic and aural treatment and dental, optical and aural appliances; (f) counselling services in respect of hepatitis C; and (g) such other services as may be prescribed.
On June 26 last, the Act was signed into law by the President. The administrative arrangements necessary for the delivery of the health services set out in the Act are now being put in place. Discussions are under way between officials of my Department and the health boards which are responsible for the provision of the services and also with professional groupings whose members will be involved in the delivery of these services e.g. the Irish Medical Organisation and Irish Pharmaceutical Union. I would hope to be in a position at an early date to sign the Commencement Order, which will bring the provisions of the Act into operation.