Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 4

Written Answers. - Drugs Payment Scheme.

David Stanton

Question:

167 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the new drugs payment scheme, his attention has been drawn to the fact that products (details supplied) which are effective in the treatment of eczema are no longer covered; the plans, if any, he has to allow any or all of these produce to be included and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19318/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The drug cost subsidisation and drugs refund schemes were merged into one new drug payment scheme with a threshold of £42 per month per family unit on 1 July.

A common list of reimbursable medicines was introduced for the GMS scheme and the new drugs payment scheme to ensure equity in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes. Previously, medicines which were not available to medical card holders under the general medical services scheme, generally over the counter items such as cough bottles, vitamins, skin treatment preparations, etc., were reimbursable under the drug cost subsidisation and drug refund schemes.

To facilitate a more equitable system, the list of drugs, medicines and appliances available to GMS patients as specified in the current GMS code book, including all updates, now forms the common list of items for both the GMS and the new drugs payment scheme. Products available on the common list must meet a set of criteria which includes requirements on the uses for and licensing of medicines and also that the products should not be advertised or promoted to the public.

Emollient products of the nature referred to by the Deputy were the subject of considerable examination in my Department when the common list of items to be reimbursed under the new drugs payment scheme was being examined. On the basis of this examination, it was decided to make available a range of emollient products on a generic basis and for which a flat rate price was established. Under this arrangement the follow ing products were added to the scheme, namely, aqueous cream, emulsifying ointment, silcocks base and haldens emulsifying base. Hydrocotisyl has been reimbursable for many years.

Emollient products are considered to be borderline medicinal/cosmetic products and only when used in certain circumstances may they be considered as being eligible for reimbursement under the scheme as if they were medicinal products. It is on this basis that arrangements for the reimbursement of the above products were made. Emollient products are often used in association with other products which are available under the scheme.

I am satisfied that the common list provides a comprehensive range of the most modern therapies and I would add that this common list is subject to ongoing review and is updated on a monthly basis.