Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 5

Written Answers. - Medical Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

121 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is an apparent disparity between health boards in the delivery of treatment of people who suffer from hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia as a result of their diabetes; if he will allow free medication for these conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21024/99]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

128 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, whereas some health boards on application of a consultant physician will allow free medication for treatment of hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia which arises from diabetes, other health boards refuse this concession to people; his views on whether it is equitable that some diabetic patients should be disadvantaged through the absence of uniformity in supports; the steps, if any, he will take to remove this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20934/99]

Pat Carey

Question:

129 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the apparent disparity between health boards in the delivery of treatment to people with diabetes who suffer from hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia; if is attention has been drawn to the fact that most health boards do not generally allow free medication to control these conditions to be written on the green long-term illness booklet prescription form used by people with diabetes and that health boards will, in cases where a special case is made by a patient's consultant physician, allow free medication for these conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20935/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 128 and 129 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.