Bernard Allen
Question:83 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons quinine sulphate has been dropped from the list of drugs that qualify under the drug subsidisation scheme. [13974/00]
Written Answers. - Drugs Refund Scheme.
As the Deputy is aware, the drug cost subsidisation and drug refund schemes were merged into one new drugs payment scheme with a threshold of £42 per month per individual or family unit on 1 July. A common list of reimbursable medicines was introduced for the GMS scheme and the drugs payment scheme. Previously, medicines which were not available to medical card holders under the general medical services scheme were reimbursed under the community drugs schemes. The introduction of the common medicines list ensures equity between the general medical services – GMS – and the drugs payment scheme in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes.
In order for any item to be included in the common medicines list it must comply with a published list of criteria. These range from criteria on the uses for and licensing of medicines to the pricing of products. With regard to quinine, I should also say quinine sulphate is authorised for use in this country for the treatment of malaria and for no other indication.
The list of drugs, medicines and appliances available to GMS patients, as specified in the current GMS code book, (including all updates) and with some additions, forms the common list of items for both the GMS and the new drugs payment scheme. I am satisfied that the common list provides a comprehensive range of the most modern therapies. This common list of items is of course subject to ongoing review and is amended on a monthly basis as new items are added to the list.