Eric J. Byrne
Question:63 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health the cost of running the drugs refund scheme per quarter for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5694/97]
Written Answers. - Drugs Refund Scheme.
Limerick East): The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Year/Quarter |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
1st Quarter |
3,100,678 |
3,364,656 |
3,700,561 |
4,330,193 |
5,141,556 |
|
2nd Quarter |
2,926,539 |
3,273,658 |
3,649,909 |
4,258,420 |
5,182.359 |
|
3rd Quarter |
3,015,812 |
3,235,063 |
3,714,924 |
4,475,329 |
5,175,692 |
|
4th Quarter |
2,977,973 |
3,361,957 |
4,175,306 |
4,419,468 |
5,515,452 |
|
Totals |
12,021,002 |
13,235,334 |
15,240,700 |
17,483,410 |
21,015,059 |
In common with other community drugs schemes, the increase in expenditure under the drugs refund scheme arises in the main from an increase in the number of persons claiming under the scheme and also an increase in the cost of medicines due to the prescribing of newer more effective and more expensive drugs for the treatment of, for example, peptic ulcer disease and asthma. Such therapies are examples of the advances achieved in the treatment of particular conditions which are reducing the need for people to be treated in hospital and are allowing people to maintain a higher quality of life in the community.
As part of the agreement entered into with community pharmacists, new arrangements are being introduced this year to provide for greater accountability in the operation of this scheme. Also, discussions are being held with the Irish Medical Organisation to explore ways of encouraging cost-effective prescribing in the community drugs schemes.