Olwyn Enright
Question:187 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to include the aero-chamber used by asthma sufferers under the GMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9281/03]
Written Answers - Drugs Payment Scheme.
Olwyn Enright
Question:188 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to include the aero-chamber used by asthma sufferers under the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9282/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the drugs payment scheme which replaced the drugs refund scheme and the drugs cost subsidisation scheme in 1999. A common list of reimbursable medicines was introduced for the general medical services scheme, GMS, and the drug payment scheme, DPS. This list ensures equity between the GMS and DPS on the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes. The common list is subject to ongoing review and amendment on a monthly basis as new products become available and deletions are notified.
For an item to be included in the common list it must comply with a published list of criteria. These include authorisation status where appropriate, price and, in certain cases, the intended use of the product. In addition, the product should ordinarily be supplied to the public only by medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public.
Aero-chambers are not included in the common list as they do not comply with current pricing criteria. However, the Deputy will be pleased to learn that both volumatic and babyhaler spacer devices are included in the common list.
A medical card holder who experiences financial difficulty in obtaining items not covered on the common list should approach the relevant health board for assistance.