Medicinal Products Availability

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016

Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Questions (694)

James Browne

Question:

694. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health why the HSE has stopped access to Camcolit for medical card holders, or through community drug schemes; his views on whether it is too expensive; the number of persons in 2015, who received the drug through the medical card or community drug scheme and the overall cost of this provision; the extent of the proposed price increase sought by the manufacturer; the impact of this on overall expenditure on the drug in 2016; and his views regarding claims that this could put patients at risk and that the HSE’s recommended alternative is not interchangeable. [13149/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

The HSE has found it necessary to discontinue reimbursing Camcolit under the General Medical Services (medical card) and community schemes, following a request for a very substantial price increase by the marketing authorisation holder for the product.

The HSE's Medicines Management Programme, in collaboration with its Mental Health Directorate, has prepared a recommended procedure for the information of prescribers and pharmacists for the transfer of patients to an alternative lithium carbonate product.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy concerning the number of patients who received the drug under the community schemes in 2015, and the cost of this provision.