John Gormley
Question:187 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the services which will most likely be affected by health estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23173/02]
Written Answers. - Health Estimate.
The pre-budget Estimates announced this day last week showed an increase of €694 million in health spending. This means that total spend in 2003 will be €8.9 billion, including capital spending. The increase in current spending is 9%, year on year. This is again a significant level of funding approved by Government and when combined with the base funding available provides a very solid funding platform for the delivery of services.
Therefore, this funding level will provide for, among other things, the completion of the additional 709 beds in acute hospitals with an investment of €118 million over the two years 2002 to 2003. The Estimates have also provided €31 million for the treatment purchase fund, which will ensure that more than 7,000 people on waiting lists will be treated in 2003. This is in addition to €43 million for the waiting list initiative. An additional sum of €29 million for cancer services will ensure that in 2003 we can continue to address increasing demands for these services. In other areas significant additional funding has been provided for disability services, child care, services for older people and the development of primary care. Capital funding of €514 million, up from €497 in 2002, is being provided to further improve the health infrastructure and will be directed at 15 major projects countrywide.
Balanced against this strong investment in service levels, I have decided to restructure the drugs payment scheme, the cost of which has risen by 40% since 2000. This restructuring will involve an increase in the threshold. In addition, the increased cost of the GMS scheme means that additional funding is not available for the extension of medical cards. However, management consultants have been appointed to examine the scheme, including increased drugs costs. It has also been necessary to increase charges raised by public hospitals for private beds which will generate additional income for hospitals of €15 million. However, the cost of providing services to private patients in public hospitals is greater than the income generated and it is Government policy to gradually eliminate the subsidy, in the interests of equity.