Vol. 476 No. 7
45 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the report which was an evaluation of the general medical service's indicative drug budgeting scheme, which was completed at Cork University Hospital and which cost £75,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8128/97]
107 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the report into the effects of the indicative drug target scheme; the total cost of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7914/97]
109 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the success or otherwise of the indicative drug budgeting scheme; the percentage increase in prescription drug costs over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7916/97]
111 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference given to a person (details supplied) for an evaluation of the general medical service indicative drug budgeting scheme; the date of completion of the evaluation; the main points of the evaluation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7918/97]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 107, 109 and 111 together.
The indicative drug target scheme was introduced in 1993 as a result of a voluntary agreement entered into with the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish College of General Practitioners for the purposes of encouraging rational and cost-effective prescribing in the interests of improved patient care. The resources made available from this scheme are allocated for practice developments approved by the relevant health board and are geared towards the improvement of facilities and services for patients.
A study on the effects of the IDT scheme in the General Medical Services scheme on the quality of care accorded to patients was commissioned in May 1995, by the Southern Health Board in association with the Department. The report of the study, which is chaired by Professor Michael Murphy, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, University College Cork, and cost £75,000, is currently being finalised and I expect to have this within the next few weeks. I am confident that the report of this study will assist the Department in its evaluation of the impact of the scheme in the encouragement of rational, safe and cost-effective prescribing for patients and in the investment of resources for the improvement of patient services within general practice. No decision has been taken in relation to the publication of the report.
I am satisfied that the IDT scheme has been a success. Most doctors are now making a genuine effort to achieve more rational and cost-effective prescribing. Prior to the introduction of the scheme, the average annual rise in the general medical services drug costs was much greater than that occurring since its introduction. The rise in the cost of medicines in the GMS has decreased from an annual average of 10 per cent prior to the inception of the scheme to an annual average rise of 5.6 per cent in the past three years. This containment in costs is in no small way directly related to the impact of the IDT scheme and the achievement of more effective prescribing by doctors. Arising from savings made under the scheme, significant resources have been freed up for the development of general practice which, in turn, has resulted in a more comprehensive and better quality service for patients.
