Vol. 512 No. 6
237 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether the indicative drug target saving scheme lays greater emphasis on cheaper medicines, thus providing patients with newer more effective medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26782/99]
238 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to end the indicative drugs target saving scheme and to introduce a system of annual health screening for all adults over the age of 30; and if he has received a proposal from the IPHA which states that the scheme represents an unhealthy and unbalanced approach to prescribing, concentrating on the cost of medicines and is not balanced by a broad analysis of the benefits of medicines. [26783/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
The indicative drugs target savings, IDTS, scheme was introduced in 1993 to encourage more rational and cost effective prescribing by general practitioners in the interests of both improved patient care and more efficient and effective use of health care resources. Similar schemes have been introduced across Europe and the IDTS scheme can justifiably be viewed, on the evidence available, as having been successful in its objectives.
It is most important to bear in mind that the scheme is entirely voluntary and savings made thereunder are available to the general practitioners concerned for investment in general practice infrastructure and service development. Patients therefore benefit directly from the scheme in a very tangible way.
