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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 4

Written Answers. - Osteoporosis Screening Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

93 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has to set up osteoporosis screening services in each of the health board areas. [13985/00]

Osteoporosis is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society, due in part to the ageing of the population. Osteoporosis is an important women's health issue, however, it does also occur in males.

I understand that the diagnosis of osteoporosis is facilitated by bone density measurement which is undertaken by x-ray. The x-ray is normally performed by a CT scanner but may in some instances be facilitated by a dexa scanner.

All patients who require such x-rays are referred by general practitioner to the appropriate acute facility in the normal manner.

The Eastern Regional Health Authority and each of the health boards have facilities to screen for osteoporosis. However, there is no proposal within my Department to set up osteoporosis screening services at this stage but I will ask the chief medical officer to keep this issue under review.

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