Vol. 550 No. 2
370 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the list of approved prescribed items on the over 70's medical card list; if a product (details supplied) is included; if distributors have asked for this product to be included; and if there are recommended equivalents on the list. [8305/02]
A common list of reimbursable medicines was introduced for the general medical services scheme and the drug payment scheme. This list ensures equity between the general medical ser vices and drug payment schemes in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes. This common list is subject to ongoing review and amendment on a monthly basis as new products become available and deletions are notified.
For any item to be included in the common medicines list it must comply with a published 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 product referred to is one of a group of products which were deleted in 1982 on the basis of their availability without a prescription and their relatively low cost. The person's general practitioner would be in the best position to recommend a suitable alternative.
