Written Answers Nos. 98-102
98. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if he has curtailed finance for home care packages and home help assistance since January 2016, resulting in a cut of hours from 24 to 14; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8666/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days she should contact my Private Office and it will follow up the matter with the HSE.
99. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health why a person (details supplied) has had to wait for over a year for surgery; and if he will urgently provide a date for the surgery. [8670/16]
View answerAs the specific issues raised are a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
100. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a community hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8689/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and it will follow up the matter with the HSE.
101. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the magnetic resonance imaging machine in Kerry General Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8697/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
102. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the countries for which the Health Service Executive recommends the use of Lariam or mefloquine, as the only medication to be taken as an anti-malarial; and the countries for which it recommends Lariam or mefloquine, as the first-line anti-malarial. [8701/16]
View answerInformation for travellers concerning health matters, including Malaria can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website and also on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre website. The websites are updated regularly taking into account the latest information available.
Malaria is prevalent in a number of countries. Before travelling people are advised to get up-to-date medical advice as to whether they will need anti-malarial medication, avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, use appropriate bed nets and repellents, and wear closed shoes, long sleeves and trousers.
As well as effective treatments for patients who contract malaria, there are effective prophylactic medications that can be taken to prevent the development of malaria. The type of prophylaxis depends on the area, local species of malaria, local pattern of anti-malarial drug resistance (which is increasing) and personal characteristics such as allergies and contraindications, including (for some drugs) pregnancy. Doctors can recommend which is the most suitable.
Unfortunately, no anti-malarial prophylaxis medication gives complete protection. Malaria may be contracted despite taking anti-malarial prophylaxis. If it is taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, without missing doses, there is a high likelihood of avoiding malaria. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the regulatory authority for medicines in Ireland. As part of its monitoring of the safety of medicines, the HPRA operates an adverse reaction reporting system, where healthcare professionals and people are encouraged to report adverse reactions they consider may be associated with their medication.
