Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
1150. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the key findings of the review by a company (details supplied) on the HSE drug reimbursement process which related to rare diseases and orphan medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17375/21]
View answer1151. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when his Department will act on the recommendations of a company (details supplied); the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17376/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1150 and 1151 together.
In 2019, following a tender by the Office of Government Procurement, Mazars conducted a review of the governance structures around the HSE's drug reimbursement process. The report was submitted to my Department in January 2020.
The review made recommendations in respect of the HSE’s systems, structures, processes, governance arrangements and use of specialist resources in respect of the drug reimbursement process.
The report was under consideration by officials earlier last year, however the focus of the Department of Health changed to the immediate public health considerations of the COVID-19 pandemic and the preservation of life. This meant that this work stream was temporarily suspended to reallocate resources to support essential services.
My Department aims to complete its consideration of the report’s recommendations in the near future.
