Deirdre Clune
Question:53 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that adequate controls exist to prevent over-prescription of drugs. [19330/01]
Written Answers. - Drug Control.
The appropriate prescribing of drugs for a patient is, in the first instance, a matter for the clinician. Practitioners are in the best position to decide the correct medication for their patients.
Arrangements for monitoring of medical prescriptions generally include inspections by inspec tors of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and information made available to health boards via the General Medical Services – Payments – Board. Where concerns arise in relation to drugs in general, and controlled drugs in particular, referral may be made to the Medical Council or to my Department depending on the circumstances of the case.
Under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 and 1984, and the regulations made thereunder certain controls are in place regarding the prescribing of controlled drugs. They include controls relating to licensing, possession, administration, supply, record keeping, prescription writing, destruction and safe custody.
The Acts allow for the setting up of a committee of inquiry, where appropriate, to investigate any suspected case of irresponsible prescribing of controlled drugs. The Acts also provide for the issuing of a special direction which would prohibit a medical practitioner from prescribing specified controlled drugs where such a practitioner is found to be irresponsibly prescribing.
In addition, in accordance with the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978, the Medical Council can investigate complaints of misconduct by medical practitioners and, where a prima facia case is found, a fitness to practice inquiry can be established.
My Department's chief medical officer has communicated a number of times in the past few years with general practitioners, concerning the need to exercise caution when prescribing controlled drugs and my Department will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that such prescribing continues to be carried out in a reasonable fashion.
I am aware of allegations that benzodiazepines have been prescribed inappropriately. In this regard I set up a committee last June, whose terms of reference are to examine the current prescribing and use of benzodiazepines, to consider recommendations on good prescribing and dispensing practice, paying particular attention to the management of drug misusers, and to make recommendations as appropriate. I expect this committee to report to me in the coming months.
On 19 June 2001 I launched the report A Strategy for the control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland – SARI – which was produced by the National Disease Surveillance Centre. The report makes recommendations, among others, for implementing programmes to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. Work in this area is continuing.
I am satisfied that the vast majority of practitioners prescribe in a rational and responsible manner. Where this may not be the case I am satisfied that measures in place are adequate to deal with the matter.