Prescription Charges

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (1141, 1162)

Noel Grealish

Question:

1141. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the reason a general practitioner prescribes medication that is eltroxin or lipitor which only comes in certain strengths, for example 20mg, 40mg, 60mg and 80mg, but a doctor prescribes a dosage of 30mg, which requires a person to purchase two packets; pharmacies are charging for two items under the prescription; his plans to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46367/13]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

1162. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that where a prescription for one medication requires two tablets of different dosage these different dosage tablets are being considered as separate items for the purpose of the prescription charge for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46552/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1141 and 1162 together.

Currently, medical card holders are required to pay a €1.50 charge per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €19.50 per month for each person or family. Prescription charges do not apply to children in the care of the HSE or to methadone supplied to patients participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme.

Where a drug or medicine is required to be dispensed in different strengths and different containers, a prescription charge applies to each item.