Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Jun 1999

Vol. 505 No. 7

Written Answers. - General Medical Services Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

72 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make Viagra available on the medical card in view of its proven results in clinical trials for certain conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14684/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

On 20 May 1999 I announced that with effect from 1 July 1999 I will be making Sildenafil, Viagra, available on the general medical services, GMS, scheme and reimbursable under the community drug schemes. The drug will be made available in accordance with the recommendations of the expert group which I established to examine and monitor the prescribing of Sildenafil, Viagra, and to recommend a prescribing protocol and controls which, while ensuring that patients with genuine medical need can obtain the drug, would also protect against possible misuse.

Essentially the group found that erectile dysfunction constitutes a genuine medical condition which, in fairness and equity to those suffering from it, should be treated; Sildenafil, Viagra, is a safe and effective drug for this condition; it should be allowed to be prescribed by any registered medical practitioner with due regard to accepted prescribing protocols; it should be available on the GMS and reimbursable under the community drug schemes; to ensure availability for genuine need, but to reduce the possibility of inappropriate usage, the group recommended a maximum reimbursable level under the community drugs schemes and GMS availability of four tablets per month. This is consistent with the average number prescribed in the survey carried out by the group, with a recommendation of the drugs and therapeutics bulletin and usage in the clinical trials carried out prior to licensing.