Joe Jacob
Question:64 Mr. Jacob asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow to whom financial assistance for necessary cancer treatment has been refused. [5771/97]
Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment.
Limerick East): Health boards may refer patients for treatment abroad where certain criteria have been met. These criteria are as follows: (1) the treatment concerned is not available in this country; (2) there is an urgent medical necessity for the treatment; (3) there is a reasonable medical prognosis; (4) the treatment is regarded as a proven form of medical treatment and is recommended by the patient's consultant; (5) the treatment is to be carried out in a recognised hospital or other institution and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner.
It is a matter for the health board concerned to examine the circumstances of each individual case and to decide on whether the above criteria have been met. I am advised by the Eastern Health Board, which is responsible for assessing this particular case, that it rejected the application on the grounds that none of the above criteria were met.