Vol. 534 No. 5
144 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the list of items covered under the £42 monthly drugs prescription scheme, particularly in relation to various treatments for psoriasis which are currently excluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11287/01]
The drug refund and drug cost subsidisation schemes were merged into the drugs payment scheme with a threshold of £42 per month per individual or family unit on 1 July 1999. The primary aim of the scheme is to bring about important improvements over the previous schemes and the scheme is designed to be more streamlined, user-friendly and to significantly improve the cash flow situation for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
A common list of reimbursable items was introduced for the general medical services scheme and the drug payment scheme to ensure equity in relation to the products reimbursed by the State under both schemes. A comprehensive range of medicinal products authorised and recommended for use in the treatment of psoriasis are included in the common list. My Department has also made arrangements to make available certain essential emollient products of a non-proprietary nature which are also used in the treatment of this condition. My Department is currently reviewing the list with a view to making some additional products available. The list is subject to ongoing review and amendment as new products become available and is updated on a monthly basis.
