Vol. 535 No. 3
117 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the appeal or dispute resolution process available to diabetics who want to obtain medication on which there is a dispute as to whether it is directly related to or caused by diabetes; if a letter from their consultant is sufficient; if the process can be outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/01]
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 known as the long-term illness scheme, LTI, is primarily a matter for the relevant health board.
Persons who have been diagnosed with any of the illnesses prescribed under the Act, including diabetes, should apply to their local health board for admission to the scheme. Once eligible, they are issued with a long-term illness book which lists the drugs and medicines which will be provided to them free of charge through their community pharmacist.
