Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 4

Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.

John Browne

Question:

214 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason free medication to control hypertension and hyperch olesterolacmia in diabetic patients is not allowed by all health boards. [20307/99]

Nora Owen

Question:

216 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that different health boards deliver different treatment to diabetics particularly those who suffer from hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that diabetics receive different resources and medication to deal with elements of their condition depending on which health board area they live in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20309/99]

Michael Creed

Question:

218 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the disparity between health boards in the delivery of treatment to diabetics and in particular to those who suffer from hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia as a result of their diabetes; if he will insist that all health boards allow free medication to control these conditions under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20312/99]

Liz McManus

Question:

225 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that each health board provides free medication to people with diabetes who suffer from hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia as a result of their diabetes; if he will ensure that the medication to control these conditions be written on the green long-term illness booklet prescription forms used by people with diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20421/99]

Liam Aylward

Question:

227 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the disparity between health boards in the delivery of treatment or drugs to persons with diabetes who suffer from hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia; and if he will correct the disparity by including the conditions on the long-term illness booklet in all health board areas. [20463/99]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

236 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the approach by health boards to the treatment of people suffering from diabetes; if people suffering from diabetes are eligible for the green long-term illness booklet; if those suffering from hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia as a result of their diabetes are also eligible for medication for these conditions. [20591/99]

Denis Naughten

Question:

238 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason only some dia betic patients are allowed free medication for the control of hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia; the plans, if any, he has to regulate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20641/99]

Mary Hanafin

Question:

249 Ms Hanafin asked the Minister for Health and Children if equality exists between health boards for a provision of medicines for people with diabetes who suffer from hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20656/99]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

252 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there appears to be a disparity between the different health boards with regard to the treatment of people with diabetes and particularly regarding the free provision of medication which controls blood pressure and cholesterol levels in diabetes patients; if he will consider the benefit of proving this treatment free of charge in view of the fact that it would be likely to save costs by preventing complications at a later stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20677/99]

Richard Bruton

Question:

258 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some health boards do not allow diabetes patients cover for treatment of blood pressure and cholesterol on the long-term illness card; and if he will direct all health boards to extend this cover in view of its medical benefits. [20782/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 216, 218, 225, 227, 229, 236, 238, 247, 249, 252 and 258 together.

Under the Health Act, 1970, a health board may make arrangements for the supply without charge of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to persons suffering from a prescribed disease or disability of a permanent or long-term nature. Diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus are among the conditions prescribed under the Act. Drugs which are directly related to the treatment of these conditions are made available free of charge. The operation of the scheme is primarily a matter for the relevant health board and information on the operation of the scheme with regard to the provision of drugs for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension arising from diabetes has been sought from each health board. I will communicate directly with the Deputies when comprehensive information is to hand from all health board areas.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

215 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a range of products (details supplied) is not covered under the Health (Amendment) Act, 1996, for the treatment of hepatitis C; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20308/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Under the Health (Amendment) Act, 1996, health boards are required, inter alia, to make available without charge, drugs and medicines to persons with hepatitis C.

As the range of products referred to by the Deputy are cosmetic products rather than drugs or medicines, they are not reimbursable under the terms of the above Act.