Vol. 549 No. 2
109 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the list of prescribed drugs which can be got on the normal ?42 DCSS; if items (details supplied) are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6253/02]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the drug payment scheme with a threshold of €53.33 which replaced both the drug cost subsidisation scheme and the drug refund scheme with effect from 1 July 1999. Since that date a common list of reimbursable items operates for the general medical services scheme and the drug payment scheme. Previously, medicines which were not available to medical card holders under the general medical services scheme were being reimbursed under the community drugs schemes. The introduction of the common medicines list ensures equity between the general medical services and the drugs payment scheme in relation to the range of items paid for by the State under both schemes.
In order for any item of medicine to be included in the common list of items reimbursable under the community drug schemes it must comply with a list of criteria. These range from their authorisation status where appropriate, their price and in certain cases the uses for which the products are intended. In addition, the products should ordinarily be supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public. The Deputy will be pleased to know that the antihistamine to which he refers is included on the common list when in a solid unit dosage form. With regard to the medical device, while this particular item is not reimbursable, there are alternatives on the list which are suitable for both adults and-or children.
